Category: Sports

For the past month, the Golden State Warriors accepted their destiny. Before officially qualifying for the play-in tournament, they understood their path would require winning two consecutive games to secure an improbable playoff berth.

They’ve been treating this as a two-game championship.

In their view, they’re only halfway to completing their objective.

The Warriors, Charlotte, Orlando, and Phoenix face elimination games Friday night as the play-in tournament concludes, determining which two franchises will claim the remaining playoff positions.

Charlotte travels to face Orlando, while Golden State heads to Phoenix. The victors will earn Game 1 matchups Friday evening — against Detroit in the Eastern Conference and Oklahoma City in the Western Conference.

“This is literally it,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. “This is it.”

Golden State orchestrated a dramatic 41-23 surge during the final 9:49 minutes to complete a stunning road victory against the Los Angeles Clippers, erasing a 13-point disadvantage for a 126-121 triumph that extended their season. The Warriors connected on six more three-point shots than the Clippers during that crucial period, with those 18 additional points accounting for precisely their margin of victory in the closing stretch.

“That was fun,” Warriors guard Stephen Curry said. “That’s what you live for, right there.”

Charlotte advanced to Friday’s action with a triumph over Miami, though LaMelo Ball’s uncalled flagrant foul against Bam Adebayo dominated postgame discussions. The Magic fell in Philadelphia, handing the 76ers the seventh seed in the East and a first-round series against Boston. Phoenix suffered a home defeat to Portland, giving the Trail Blazers the seventh seed in the West and a playoff date with San Antonio.

Everything is now on the line. Miami and the Clippers have already been eliminated, and two additional franchises will begin their offseason Friday evening.

“We’ve got to be ready,” Magic forward Paolo Banchero said. “I’ve got to be ready.”

This marks Phoenix’s inaugural appearance in the play-in tournament format. The remaining three teams have all participated previously.

Golden State enters their fourth play-in appearance, Charlotte their third, and Orlando their second. Philadelphia and Portland, who have already advanced, were making their second play-in appearances.

Golden State holds a 2-3 play-in record. Orlando stands at 1-1, Charlotte at 1-2, and Phoenix at 0-1.

Regular season matchups: Charlotte won the series 3-1.

Vegas odds: Charlotte favored by 3.5 points.

What’s at stake: The victor advances to face top-seeded Detroit in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals beginning Sunday. The defeated team’s season ends.

Game preview: Multiple storylines converge here. LaMelo Ball delivered the game-winning shot in their previous contest, injured Bam Adebayo, and learned a day later from league officials that he should have been ejected. Orlando dropped their last three encounters against Charlotte by a total of 61 points and has struggled with consistency throughout the campaign. Charlotte captured both previous games in Orlando this season; no visiting team has achieved three or more victories against the Magic in a single season — excluding the bubble year — since Detroit in 2006-07. Charlotte’s Miles Bridges has appeared in more regular-season contests (501) than any other active player without playoff experience. Friday could end that streak.

Regular season matchups: Golden State won the series 3-1.

Vegas odds: Phoenix favored by 2.5 points.

What’s at stake: The winner advances to face top-seeded Oklahoma City in the Western Conference quarterfinals beginning Sunday. The losing team’s season concludes.

Game preview: Golden State captured their initial meeting by 11 points, with Phoenix trailing by 25 before possessing the ball with an opportunity to cut the deficit to single digits with three minutes remaining. The remaining contests were decided by margins of one, three, and four points. The Warriors approach this game with a fearless mentality, understandably so after an injury-riddled campaign that produced a 37-45 record and a month-long preparation for an expected play-in run. Phoenix exceeded most preseason projections by winning 45 games but must now defeat Stephen Curry, arguably basketball’s greatest shooter, to avoid becoming the first franchise to lose twice at home during a play-in tournament.

NEW YORK — Former professional basketball player and assistant coach Damon Jones will likely become the initial defendant to enter a guilty plea in a sweeping gambling investigation that resulted in more than 30 arrests, including alleged organized crime members and other basketball personalities.

Court documents filed Thursday reveal that Jones has a plea change hearing set for May 6 in federal court in Brooklyn.

The 49-year-old Jones had initially entered not guilty pleas to two separate indictments. The charges accuse him of benefiting from manipulated poker games and sharing confidential injury information about NBA superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis with sports gamblers.

Both cases include charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy against Jones.

His attorney Kenneth Montgomery could not be reached for comment immediately. During Jones’ November court appearances, Montgomery informed the judge that they “may be engaging in plea negotiations.”

The arrest of Jones occurred in October alongside Portland Trail Blazers head coach and Basketball Hall of Fame member Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat player Terry Rozier, and several others, including a gambler accused of profiting from insider injury details.

Among all defendants, Jones faces charges in both the poker manipulation and sports betting conspiracies. He continues to remain out of custody on bond.

Born in Galveston, Texas, Jones accumulated over $20 million during his professional career, playing for 10 different franchises across 11 seasons between 1999 and 2009. He was teammates with James in Cleveland from 2005 to 2008 and worked as an unofficial assistant coach with James’ Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022-2023 campaign.

Federal prosecutors allege that Jones sold or tried to sell confidential information to gamblers regarding James’ injury status before a February 9, 2023, matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. He allegedly texted an unidentified accomplice: “Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out.”

At the time Jones sent the message, James wasn’t included on the Lakers’ official injury report. However, the NBA’s career scoring champion was subsequently ruled out due to a lower body ailment, and Milwaukee defeated Los Angeles 115-106.

On January 15, 2024, authorities claim sports gambler Marves Fairley compensated Jones roughly $2,500 for inside information that Davis, then the Lakers’ forward-center, would have restricted playing time against Oklahoma City Thunder due to injury.

Fairley subsequently wagered $100,000 on the Thunder to win, but the information proved inaccurate. Davis played his typical minutes, recording 27 points and 15 rebounds in a 112-105 Lakers victory, leading Fairley to request a $2,500 refund, according to prosecutors.

Regarding the poker conspiracy, authorities say Jones was among former NBA athletes recruited to attract unsuspecting players into rigged games using modified shuffling devices, concealed cameras, specialized eyewear, and even X-ray technology embedded in tables.

The indictment states Jones received $2,500 for participating in a Hamptons game where he was directed to cheat by carefully observing other scheme participants. His instructor compared those individuals to James and NBA All-Star Stephen Curry. When uncertain, Jones was advised to fold, prosecutors stated.

Jones allegedly responded via text: “y’all know I know what I’m doing!!”

The poker operation frequently utilized illegal games controlled by New York organized crime families, requiring operators to share profits with the Gambino, Genovese, and Bonanno crime families.

These crime family members also participated in violent activities, including assault, extortion, and robbery, to ensure debt collection and maintain operational success, court documents indicate.

Known for his three-point shooting ability, Jones once declared himself in an insidehoops.com interview as “the best shooter in the world.” He appeared in every regular season contest for three straight seasons from 2003 to 2006.

Following his playing career, he served as a “shooting consultant” for the Cavaliers and worked as an assistant coach when the James-led team captured the NBA championship in 2016.

Dallas Stars netminder Jake Oettinger is welcoming the challenge ahead. The veteran goaltender is fully embracing what promises to be one of the most difficult playoff paths in recent memory.

The route through the Central Division to reach the Western Conference Final presents an incredibly demanding gauntlet for both Dallas and Minnesota. Despite ranking third and seventh respectively in NHL points this season, the Stars and Wild will clash in the opening round, with the victor potentially meeting the league-leading Colorado Avalanche in round two.

“If you can get through that and win it all, I think it just makes it that much better,” Oettinger said. “It just makes it more fulfilling.”

The Stanley Cup championship never comes without a fight, and even the Pacific Division bracket offers no relief. Edmonton, fresh off back-to-back Cup Final appearances, joins the Vegas Golden Knights, who surged with seven victories in their last eight contests after bringing in John Tortorella as head coach.

“It’s the most exciting time because everybody’s playing at a different level, and it’s a good test to see how high you can get as a team,” Tortorella told reporters in Las Vegas after the regular season finale. “Everything’s going to be amped up. As each game goes by in the series, it’s going to be harder and harder, and so it’s a great challenge.”

Colorado enters as the clear Western Conference favorite after capturing the Presidents’ Trophy. The Avalanche have dominated since October, boasting elite talents Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, while addressing their center position by reacquiring 2022 Cup winner Nazem Kadri before the trade deadline.

While home-ice advantage helps, carrying the top seed brings added expectations. Colorado players say they’re ready for that responsibility.

“Pressure is a privilege — it’s the old cliche, but it truly is,” forward Logan O’Connor said. “You just have to be dialed in the whole time, and I think that’s the challenge for any team. There can’t be any lapses. You can’t have any passengers. Everyone all in, all the time. I think we obviously have the capability to do that.”

Vegas claimed the Pacific Division title following their coaching change from Bruce Cassidy to Tortorella, who brings extensive postseason experience with 13 playoff appearances across four different franchises.

Dallas has reached three straight Western Conference Finals and possesses all the necessary pieces, particularly if star defenseman Miro Heiskanen returns to full health.

“It’s never a straight line to win all these things,” said first-year coach Glen Gulutzan, who was an Edmonton assistant when the Oilers made back-to-back trips to the Cup final. “You keep getting yourself back in the dance and win a round and win two rounds, and then finally you break through. Hopefully that experience is going to allow us to do it.”

Minnesota features superstar Kirill Kaprizov, who will soon begin the most lucrative contract in hockey history. Matt Boldy has emerged as another offensive threat on a roster that needs only center depth to become a legitimate Western Conference Final contender.

Labeling Connor McDavid and Edmonton as underdogs seems questionable given their recent Cup Final runs against Florida, but the team has logged significant playoff minutes. Strong goaltending and Leon Draisaitl’s return from his season-ending injury will be crucial factors.

The Utah Mammoth represent the West’s inspiring success story, reaching the playoffs in just their second season since relocating from Arizona. Playing without pressure could benefit a franchise simply celebrating their postseason berth in Salt Lake City.

Los Angeles dismissed coach Jim Hiller and found stability under interim leader D.J. Smith. The February acquisition of Artemi Panarin has transformed the Kings into a legitimate threat.

Could an LA-area team surprise everyone? Joe Quenneville’s championship pedigree has guided Anaheim into playoff contention, and his experience combined with young talent and Lukas Dostal’s goaltending could produce some upsets.

McDavid’s two-year, $25 million extension without a salary increase essentially gave Edmonton a two-season window to prove their championship credentials. The superstar could very well elevate his team to a third consecutive Cup Final appearance.

Colorado’s championship opportunity remains wide open, with captain Gabriel Landeskog returning from his chronic knee problems to support MacKinnon and Makar. Another title run like their 2022 championship seems possible.

Can Minnesota finally advance past the first round for the first time since 2015? The Wild have dropped eight straight opening-round matchups, but this season marked their first without being shut out, while adding Quinn Hughes on defense provides offensive confidence.

“There’s a lot of pushback with our team,” coach John Hynes said. “We have guys that can score. One of the things we talk about is trying to create offense in multiple ways.”

MIAMI — The NBA’s determination that LaMelo Ball’s grab of Bam Adebayo constituted a flagrant foul worthy of ejection generated little response in Miami.

In Charlotte, however, the fact that the league’s ruling stopped short of a suspension provided significant relief.

Ball remains available for Friday’s crucial play-in elimination matchup when the Hornets face Orlando — exactly the outcome Charlotte head coach Charles Lee was hoping for, and a decision that Miami’s Erik Spoelstra appeared comfortable with.

“I didn’t believe he should face additional penalties going forward. That wouldn’t have made sense to me,” Spoelstra commented Thursday during the Heat’s season-ending discussions — occurring two days following their postseason elimination in a 127-126 defeat at Charlotte, a contest where Adebayo sat out significant time after sustaining injury when Ball grabbed his ankle during a fall.

“I don’t believe he’s a dirty player. I just think, in that moment, all things can be true,” Spoelstra explained. “It was a dirty play and a dangerous play. It should have been caught at that moment. But it wasn’t and then, you know, you move on.”

The NBA determined Ball committed “unnecessary and reckless contact” against Adebayo. Ball received a $35,000 fine for the incident, along with an additional $25,000 penalty for using profanity during a postgame court-side interview.

Had the flagrant foul from Tuesday’s contest been assessed as a Category 2 violation during live action, Miami would have received two free throws and ball possession — while Ball would have faced immediate ejection.

League investigations following such incidents are routine procedure; official Zach Zarba informed a pool reporter Tuesday evening that the NBA would conduct additional review of the sequence. The league’s decision arrived late Wednesday evening, finally allowing Lee to feel relieved.

“I believe the league issued what they considered appropriate,” Lee stated in Charlotte Thursday prior to the team’s departure for Orlando. “And we’re pleased that we still have him available for the upcoming game. I know he never intends to injure anyone on the basketball court. But I’m relieved everything’s resolved now.”

According to NBA regulations, Miami could not contest the play’s ruling since no foul was initially called. Action continued without pause, preventing any replay review opportunity. Adebayo received a lower-back contusion diagnosis resulting from the fall.

This marks at least the second occasion Ball has been involved in such an incident with Adebayo. During a January 2024 game in Miami, Ball grabbed Adebayo’s leg while the Heat player was running downcourt. Adebayo stumbled but remained upright.

ARLINGTON, Va. — Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin jokingly suggested he wants a two-year contract extension from the team.

While he was likely kidding, the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer’s future remains uncertain following the conclusion of his 21st professional season on Tuesday. Recent games felt like potential farewell moments to fans and even rival players, though Ovechkin hasn’t ruled out a comeback.

With his current deal now expired, the veteran forward met with media Thursday for an extended interview where he discussed upcoming conversations with head coach Spencer Carbery and general manager Chris Patrick. When reporters asked what he hoped to hear from Patrick regarding the franchise’s direction, Ovechkin responded with humor.

“Two more years,” he said, prompting laughter. “This is the contract. Sign it.”

Such a lengthy agreement would shock most observers given Ovechkin’s age of 40. The more pressing question centers on whether he’ll continue his NHL career at all. The Russian captain indicated his choice will hinge on his physical condition, family circumstances, and Washington’s competitive prospects.

Washington concluded their campaign with a victory over Columbus on Tuesday, finishing with 95 points. While that total would have topped the Pacific Division, it left them three points shy of an Eastern Conference playoff berth. Promising young talents like Ryan Leonard and Cole Hutson have shown development for the organization, leaving the team in reasonable shape regardless of Ovechkin’s decision.

Should he return, his salary negotiations would be fascinating after earning $9.5 million annually on his previous contract. This season, he led Washington with 32 goals while appearing in all 82 contests — impressive statistics for someone his age. However, his signature one-timer from the left wing wasn’t as dominant as in previous years, managing just five power-play goals on 86 attempts, and his defensive play showed signs of decline.

When asked about potentially joining another NHL franchise, Ovechkin noted his free agent status.

“I’m a free agent,” he stated.

Pressed further about playing elsewhere after spending his entire career in Washington, he responded: “Probably not, no.”

Speculation has surrounded a possible return to Russia, but Ovechkin emphasized he must first resolve his NHL situation.

“I’m pretty sure it’s not my last game — I hope it’s not my last game, against Columbus. I have to make a decision to see where we’re at — the team, family,” Ovechkin explained. “Obviously, family are going to support me, like my wife and kids. Kids are already asking, ‘Dad, are you staying or not?’”

His response to his children?

“I tell them, ‘We’ll see,’” he said. “They want me to come back because they love the city, they love the team, they love the boys.”

Two NBA stars will remain in contention for major league honors this season after successfully appealing the league’s 65-game participation requirement, officials announced Thursday.

The NBA and National Basketball Players Association jointly decided that Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham can compete for awards including Most Valuable Player and All-NBA team selections, even though neither met the standard game threshold.

Dončić appeared in 64 contests while Cunningham participated in 63 games during the regular season. However, both organizations determined that exceptional circumstances warranted their inclusion under a special provision within the collective bargaining agreement.

The scoring champion and MVP contender Dončić was absent for two games while traveling to Slovenia for his daughter’s birth. Meanwhile, Cunningham sat out 12 games following a collapsed lung diagnosis on March 17.

“The NBA and NBPA agreed that, taking into account the totality of the circumstances for Cunningham and Dončić, each player qualified for awards,” the league and union stated jointly.

Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards, who participated in 60 qualifying games, also challenged the rule through an independent arbitrator but received a denial for his appeal.

The eligibility question became a significant storyline as the season concluded. San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama, considered an MVP finalist and probable Defensive Player of the Year winner, reached the 65-game threshold during the Spurs’ second-to-last contest. Denver’s three-time MVP Nikola Jokic secured his qualification on the regular season’s final day, extending his streak of finishing first or second in MVP voting over five consecutive seasons while capturing this year’s rebounding and assist championships.

Denver head coach David Adelman expressed hope last week that the 65-game requirement will face modification this summer, arguing that dedicated players like Jokic who compete in 64 games without wanting rest shouldn’t face award disqualification.

“That’s not the spirit of what that rule is,” Adelman commented.

Several prominent players will lose award eligibility this season due to the game minimum, including Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, whose remarkable 21-season All-NBA team streak will conclude. Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Golden State’s Stephen Curry also missed excessive games to qualify.

Following the completion of appeals for Dončić, Cunningham, and Edwards, the NBA will distribute award ballots to its voting panel of league reporters and broadcasters within days. The timing for announcing award recipients remains undetermined.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The defense team representing professional golfer Tiger Woods is mounting a legal challenge against prosecutors who want access to his medical prescription records as part of a driving under the influence case in Florida.

Defense attorney Doug Duncan filed court documents this week arguing that Woods maintains constitutional privacy protections regarding his medication history. Duncan has requested that the Martin County judge presiding over the case schedule a hearing to evaluate whether obtaining these medical records is essential to the prosecution’s case.

Should the court rule that the prescription information is required for the investigation, Duncan has petitioned for strict limitations on who can access the records, requesting they be restricted to prosecutors, investigating officers, state forensic specialists, and Woods’ legal representatives.

The golf legend has entered a not guilty plea to the DUI charges. According to law enforcement documentation, officers discovered two pain medication pills on Woods during the incident and observed indicators of impairment after his vehicle struck a truck’s trailer and overturned.

The crash occurred on Jupiter Island, where Woods was driving at excessive speeds on a coastal residential street with a posted limit of 30 mph. His Land Rover caused approximately $5,000 in damages to the truck, investigation records show. While Woods consented to breath testing that revealed no alcohol presence, he declined to provide a urine sample, officials reported.

Court filings reveal that prosecutors plan to subpoena prescription medication records for the championship golfer from Lewis Pharmacy in Palm Beach, Florida, covering the period from January through the end of last month.

Additionally, prosecution attorneys filed a Wednesday court motion requiring Woods to disclose the identity and whereabouts of any defense witnesses he intends to call during proceedings.

DENVER — When playoff season arrives, Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic finds his relaxation in an unexpected place: his backyard swimming pool.

The versatile big man traditionally opens his pool around this time each year, weather allowing, creating a peaceful retreat where he and his children can unwind. For Jokic, these quiet moments floating in the water provide the perfect mental break from the intense pressure of championship aspirations.

The Nuggets secured the third playoff position after winning 54 games this season and will square off against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in their opening playoff round beginning Saturday.

This campaign has been extraordinary for Jokic in terms of both performance and physical challenges.

From a statistical standpoint, Jokic accomplished something not seen in over five decades, becoming the first player since 1969-70 to top the league in both rebounds and assists per game. The only other player to achieve this feat was Wilt Chamberlain in 1967-68, though that was based on total numbers rather than averages.

From a health perspective, the three-time Most Valuable Player faced his first significant NBA injury when he hyperextended his left knee, forcing him to sit out 16 contests between late December and January. Denver managed a 10-6 record during his absence.

“It’s not a difficult year, but an inconsistent year, with the injuries, with the lineups, with everything,” Jokic said, having averaged a triple-double for the second consecutive season with 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists. “We still managed to be one of the top teams. That’s something telling about this team, and the group that we have in the locker room. We definitely show ourselves that we can answer to anything, and hopefully we’re going find a way and in the playoffs when the moment is big.”

Denver approaches the postseason with tremendous momentum, having won 12 straight games. When asked about the streak, Jokic displayed his characteristic wit.

“It’s definitely better than a 12-game losing streak,” Jokic remarked. “When you’re playing well, everybody’s feeling good.”

The Serbian center recorded 34 triple-doubles across 65 games this season, including an unforgettable Christmas Day showcase against Minnesota when he exploded for 56 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists in a 142-138 overtime victory.

“It’ll probably take a little bit of everything,” Timberwolves forward Julius Randle said regarding the challenge of defending Jokic. “Probably got to call God and talk to him for a little bit and ask him for a few favors. … He’s an incredible player. He does so much on the floor for that team.”

Standing 6-foot-11 and weighing 284 pounds, Jokic possesses the court vision of a point guard combined with unstoppable post moves and three-point shooting ability.

“He’s a joy to watch,” said San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson, whose squad could potentially meet Denver in the second round. “He’s just so unique in so many ways.”

Denver teammates emphasize they never take Jokic’s nightly excellence for granted. His 198 career triple-doubles rank second only to former teammate Russell Westbrook’s 209, while his 21 playoff triple-doubles trail just Magic Johnson (30) and LeBron James (28).

“Nothing has shocked me this year,” said teammate Christian Braun, who was a rookie during Denver’s 2023 championship run. “But that’s probably not the right way to say it. Everything (Jokic) does shocks me. Every time I watch him, he shocks me.”

The organization breathed a collective sigh of relief when doctors determined Jokic would miss only several weeks after his December 29 injury in Miami. The incident looked frightening as Jokic collapsed and clutched his knee after stepping on Spencer Jones’ foot.

Following his January 30 return, he’s missed just one additional game. This healthy stretch allowed him to reach the 65-game minimum required for major awards consideration.

“He’s in a great place,” Nuggets coach David Adelman said, “physically and mentally.”

Jokic’s signature trait remains his ability to elevate teammates’ performance, whether delivering passes to Cam Johnson on the perimeter, creating screens to free Jamal Murray for drives, or finding Aaron Gordon for open shots.

“We need everybody,” Jokic explained. “Everybody needs to step up.”

Coach Adelman remains baffled by the lack of MVP discussion surrounding his star player, with current betting favorites pointing toward Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“I would say what stands out to me is how much he has not been talked about,” Adelman said. “I think it’s absolutely insane. I have no idea what the narrative is and why.”

Minnesota center Rudy Gobert has developed deep admiration for Jokic’s approach to the game.

“Whatever he does, he plays to win. He’s selfless,” Gobert said. “He’s just here to show up, help his team win and go home. I like that. I respect that.”

The legal team representing Tiger Woods is pushing back against prosecutors who want access to the golf legend’s prescription medication records as part of his ongoing DUI case.

The 50-year-old professional golfer has entered a not guilty plea to misdemeanor driving under the influence charges stemming from a rollover accident that occurred on March 31 in Florida.

State prosecutors are working to obtain a subpoena for the 15-time major champion’s pharmaceutical records from a Palm Beach, Florida pharmacy. According to court documents accessed by ESPN, they want comprehensive information about his prescriptions between January 1 and March 27, including refill frequency, pill quantities, dosage specifications, and any medication guidelines provided.

Woods’ legal representative, Douglas Duncan, submitted a motion on Wednesday asking for a court hearing on the issue while questioning both the relevance of the state’s demand and potential violations of his client’s privacy protections.

“This right is admittedly not absolute should the State show the relevance of the records to its criminal investigation and thus warrant intrusion into Mr. Woods’ privacy,” Duncan stated in his filing.

Law enforcement officers who responded to the crash scene reported that Woods displayed signs of impairment and was found with two pills in his possession.

Should the court approve the state’s petition for these records, Duncan has requested the judge implement a protective order limiting access to Woods’ prescription information exclusively to prosecutors, defense counsel, and law enforcement personnel.

“The records shall not be disclosed to any third parties, including Order prohibiting dissemination of the records by the State in response to any public records request,” Duncan explained in his motion. “If and when it becomes necessary for the State to publicly disclose said records or any portion of said records, that a hearing must be held to determine the necessity of said disclosure.”

Following the incident, Woods issued a public statement announcing his decision to take a break from professional golf to concentrate on his health recovery. Reports indicate he subsequently entered a treatment program at a facility in Switzerland.

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers reached out to Joel Embiid to gauge whether their recovering star center might attend Wednesday night’s crucial play-in matchup, hoping his presence could provide a morale boost during their postseason pursuit.

The All-Star big man had been sidelined following emergency appendix surgery the previous week, and his teammates weren’t certain he would show up until Embiid unexpectedly entered the locker room roughly an hour before game time against the Orlando Magic. His mere appearance energized Tyrese Maxey and the entire squad.

“I gave him a big hug,” Maxey said. “I was glad to see him.”

When crunch time arrived, Maxey stepped up in the final period the same way Embiid has done during pivotal moments throughout his career.

The guard finished with 31 points while rookie V.J. Edgecombe contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds as Philadelphia defeated Orlando 109-97, clinching the Eastern Conference’s seventh playoff position.

Philadelphia will face Boston in the opening round starting Sunday.

Maxey, who earned his first All-Star starting selection this season, delivered seven consecutive points during the closing minutes to help seal the victory over the Magic.

“It was just me deciding I wanted to be aggressive,” Maxey said. “I had some really good looks that I missed early in the third, that I made in the first half. So I was just really confident I was going to make some shots.”

The franchise’s all-time leader in three-pointers connected on three shots from beyond the arc and converted 11 of 25 field goal attempts, helping the Sixers reach the playoffs after finishing 24-58 last season.

“He’s been doing a bit of that lately as far as understanding we need kind of his greatness at the right time,” coach Nick Nurse said.

While Philadelphia has historically relied on Embiid’s dominant performances, the organization has also learned to adapt when the frequently injured former MVP is unavailable.

Team officials haven’t established a timeline for Embiid’s comeback from the appendix procedure. The two-time scoring champion participated in video review sessions Wednesday and observed the contest from the sideline.

Maxey will need to maintain his high level of play for Philadelphia to compete effectively against Boston.

Home fans chanted “We want Boston!” during the game’s final moments, though history suggests caution — the 76ers have dropped their past six playoff matchups with the Celtics. Philadelphia’s last series victory over Boston came in 1982.

Those concerns can wait for future preparation sessions. Maxey departed the court to thunderous applause from the crowd, which included Allen Iverson, as teammates surrounded him in celebration.

“I promised some guys we were going to get in the playoffs,” Maxey said.

Last season’s disappointing campaign did yield one positive outcome: securing the third overall draft selection. The Sixers, who selected several unsuccessful prospects during their extensive rebuilding period, appear to have made an excellent choice by picking Edgecombe from Baylor.

The 20-year-old rookie began the campaign with 34 points against Boston, recording the third-highest point total for any NBA player in their debut game. He delivered another strong performance in his first play-in appearance with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Officials assessed Edgecombe a taunting penalty following a dunk in the third quarter, and referees had to intervene when tensions escalated between both teams.

“I was tweaking a little bit tonight,” Edgecombe said. “I guess it happens when you let a kid play such a high-intensity game. I was out there having fun. If I’ve got to play wild for us to win, I’ll play wild.”

NEW YORK — Los Angeles established a new Major League Baseball spending benchmark in 2025, investing a combined $515 million in player payroll and luxury tax penalties while capturing their second consecutive World Series championship, according to final calculations released by the commissioner’s office. The franchise is expected to lead league spending again in 2026.

The Dodgers’ 2025 expenditures set new marks with a $345.3 million payroll and $169.4 million in tax penalties, totaling $514.6 million. Even with several player contracts reduced due to deferred payment arrangements, Los Angeles spent seven times more than Miami’s league-minimum $68.7 million payroll and exceeded the combined spending of the six lowest-budget franchises.

Los Angeles surpassed the previous spending record of $430.4 million established by the 2024 New York Mets. The Dodgers’ total also excluded the $6.5 million signing bonus paid to pitcher Roki Sasaki through a minor league deal.

Together, the Mets and Dodgers invested $948.3 million. The spending gap between the five highest and five lowest payrolls grew from a 3.6 ratio in 2021 to an unprecedented 4.7 last season.

Los Angeles broke New York’s three-year reign as the top-spending franchise in 2025, with additional costs including $8.5 million in performance bonuses earned by retiring pitcher Clayton Kershaw.

The Dodgers’ actual spending would have reached approximately $71 million higher without deferred payment structures for seven players that reduced their payroll calculations. Shohei Ohtani’s contract counts as $28.2 million because $68 million of his $70 million 2025 salary won’t be paid until 2035.

New York ranked second in payroll at $342.1 million and spent $433.7 million including tax penalties.

During Steve Cohen’s first five years as Mets owner, the franchise has invested $1.44 billion without securing a championship: $1.11 billion in player salaries and $320 million in luxury tax payments.

Both franchises exceeded the previous payroll record of $333.3 million set by the 2024 Mets.

Based on MLB’s opening-day projections, Los Angeles leads 2026 spending expectations with a $323.3 million 40-man roster payroll and projected $163.7 million tax bill for a $487.1 million total. The Mets started with a record $358.4 million payroll and face an estimated $124.1 million tax for $482.5 million in total spending.

Cleveland carries the smallest opening-day 40-man payroll this season at $75.5 million.

League-wide spending increased 3.1% to $5.32 billion in 2025 from $5.16 billion in 2024, representing a 31.3% rise over four seasons under the current labor agreement from $4.05 billion in 2021.

These totals exclude the $50 million annual pre-arbitration bonus pool established in the 2022 collective bargaining agreement and benefit allocations included in MLB’s luxury tax calculations.

Eight teams began 2026 above the $244 million luxury tax threshold. Following the Dodgers ($415.2 million), Mets ($379.2 million) and Yankees ($339.6 million) were Toronto ($319.5 million), Philadelphia ($315.2 million), Boston ($263.7 million), San Diego ($260.1 million) and Atlanta ($247.9 million).

The Chicago Cubs started $25,000 below the threshold while Detroit began $2.5 million under. Team payrolls fluctuate throughout seasons due to trades and roster adjustments.

New York finished 2025 with the third-largest regular payroll at $301.5 million, followed by Philadelphia ($291.9 million), AL champion Toronto ($253.1 million), Houston ($236.4 million) and Texas ($229.9 million).

Four of the five biggest spenders made the playoffs, excluding the Mets, alongside teams ranked ninth, 10th, 12th, 15th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd and 25th in payroll.

Los Angeles increased spending the most in 2025 by $74.4 million. Other significant increases came from Detroit ($61.9 million), Baltimore ($60.2 million to $165.6 million), San Diego ($45.6 million to $217.6 million), Philadelphia ($42.8 million) and Toronto ($34.7 million).

Fifteen franchises reduced payroll from 2024 to 2025, led by Chicago White Sox (down $66.1 million to $87.9 million), St. Louis (down $39.3 million to $139.1 million), Miami (down $29.4 million to $68.8 million) and San Francisco (down $28 million to $182.9 million). The Cardinals further reduced their opening-day payroll to $102.3 million this year, including approximately $47.4 million from trades involving Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras, who no longer play for St. Louis.

The Yankees decreased payroll by $9.4 million from 2024 to 2025 but increased it to $302.8 million this season.

Eleven teams exceeded $200 million in 2025, matching the record established in 2023. Five teams operated below $100 million, one more than 2024’s record low.

Last year’s regular payrolls reflect 2025 salaries, earned performance bonuses and proportional shares of signing bonuses and non-cash compensation for 40-man rosters. Deferred salary and bonus payments are adjusted to current values, with termination payments, option buyouts and inter-team cash transactions factored in.

MLB calculated the average salary as of Aug. 31, the final day before active rosters expanded to 26 players, at $4,611,595. The players’ association, using different methodology, determined the average at $4,721,393.

Luxury tax calculations use payrolls with average annual values including benefits and the pre-arbitration bonus pool. The players’ association argues tax payments shouldn’t measure spending disparity since half the tax revenue goes to a commissioner’s discretionary fund distributed among revenue-sharing eligible teams that have increased their non-media local revenue.

A dramatic ninth-inning comeback highlighted Wednesday night’s Major League Baseball action as the San Diego Padres rallied for five runs in their final at-bat to defeat the Seattle Mariners 7-6, pushing their winning streak to seven games.

The heroics came courtesy of Jackson Merrill, who delivered a crucial two-run double by connecting on a 2-2 fastball from Seattle reliever Jose A. Ferrer. The ball found its way down the left field line, allowing Luis Campusano to cross home with the tying run while Ramon Laureano scored what proved to be the game-winner when Randy Arozarena couldn’t complete a throw to the plate after the ball slipped from his grasp.

Alek Jacob (1-0) earned his first victory of the season after throwing two scoreless frames in his 2024 major league debut. The pitcher had been promoted from Triple-A El Paso just one day earlier. Seattle closer Andres Munoz (2-2) shouldered the blame for all five ninth-inning runs, while Luke Raley provided offensive fireworks with four hits including a two-run home run.

In Los Angeles, Shohei Ohtani dominated on the mound with 10 strikeouts across six innings while Dalton Rushing connected for a grand slam as the Dodgers completed a series sweep of the New York Mets with an 8-2 victory. The loss extended New York’s skid to eight consecutive defeats.

Additional home runs came from Hyeseong Kim, Teoscar Hernandez and Kyle Tucker for Los Angeles, which improved to 10-2 since April 3. Ohtani (2-0) surrendered just one run on two hits and two walks in a rare pitching appearance where he didn’t also serve as a designated hitter – his first such outing since May 2021 with the Angels.

The Yankees edged the Angels 4-5 thanks to Jose Caballero’s walk-off two-run double in the ninth inning, snapping New York out of a rough stretch where they’d won just once in their previous seven contests. Mike Trout continued his hot streak at Yankee Stadium with a two-run homer, becoming the first visiting player to go deep in three consecutive days at the venue since Miguel Cabrera accomplished the feat nearly 13 years ago.

Arizona outlasted Baltimore 8-5 in 10 innings behind Adrian Del Castillo’s explosive five-RBI performance, which included a decisive two-run homer in the extra frame and a two-run triple earlier in the game. Every player in the Diamondbacks’ lineup managed at least one hit through nine innings.

Pittsburgh blanked Washington 2-0 as Carmen Mlodzinski tossed six shutout innings in the Pirates’ three-hit victory. The Cardinals took down Cleveland 5-3 with Dustin May delivering six strong innings, while Boston avoided a sweep by defeating Minnesota 9-5 behind Trevor Story’s three-run homer and five-RBI night.

Cincinnati’s Sal Stewart powered the Reds past San Francisco 8-3 with a pair of three-run homers, giving him seven home runs to lead all rookies this season. Chicago dominated Philadelphia 11-2 as Nico Hoerner drove in a career-high five runs while Shota Imanaga struck out 11 batters.

Milwaukee snapped a six-game losing streak by rallying past Toronto 2-1 with two eighth-inning runs, and Detroit extended its winning streak to five games by edging Kansas City 2-1 on Wenceel Perez’s go-ahead eighth-inning homer.

Atlanta defeated Miami 6-3 behind Bryce Elder’s 5⅔ scoreless innings and three home runs from the Braves’ offense. Tampa Bay stretched their winning streak to five games with an 8-3 victory over Chicago, while Oakland beat Texas 6-5 and Houston claimed a 3-1 win over Colorado.

The Vegas Golden Knights captured the Pacific Division championship Wednesday night following a dramatic comeback victory against the Seattle Kraken, winning 4-1 at home in Las Vegas.

Reilly Smith powered the Golden Knights’ surge with a pair of third-period goals while also contributing an assist during Vegas’ explosive final frame that featured three unanswered scores. This marked Smith’s 31st career multi-goal performance and his second this season.

Jack Eichel contributed two assists while Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner each found the back of the net for Vegas (39-26-17, 95 points). The Golden Knights will now face the Utah Mammoth when the Stanley Cup playoffs begin.

Goaltender Carter Hart turned away 22 shots for Vegas, helping the team stretch their point streak to a season-best 10 games (7-0-3). This division title represents the third for the franchise in four years and their sixth in nine seasons. The Golden Knights have posted an impressive 7-0-1 record since John Tortorella took over behind the bench, replacing Bruce Cassidy.

Shane Wright provided Seattle’s lone scoring for the Kraken (34-36-11, 79 points), who have struggled recently with a 2-7-1 mark over their last 10 contests. Nikke Kokko registered 22 saves for Seattle, which will wrap up their season Thursday night in Colorado.

Stars 4, Sabres 3 (SO)

Wyatt Johnston netted the decisive shootout goal as Dallas claimed victory in Buffalo.

Esa Lindell and Justin Hryckowian each recorded one goal and one assist for the Stars, who closed the regular season with five consecutive victories. Mavrik Bourque reached the 20-goal milestone while Jake Oettinger turned aside 21 shots.

Zach Benson tallied a goal and assist for Buffalo, whose four-game win streak came to an end. Josh Norris and Alex Tuch also scored in regulation for the Sabres. Owen Power registered two assists and Colten Ellis made 25 saves.

Senators 3, Maple Leafs 1

Drake Batherson and Warren Foegele both converted power-play opportunities as Ottawa defeated Toronto at home in the regular-season finale for both clubs.

Dylan Cozens sealed the victory with an empty-net goal for the Senators, while Claude Giroux added two assists. Former Toronto netminder James Reimer made 19 saves for Ottawa, which took the season series against the Maple Leafs 3-1-0.

William Nylander scored Toronto’s only goal in a contest that lacked the typical intensity of a Battle of Ontario matchup. Dennis Hildeby stopped 35 shots for the Maple Leafs.

Panthers 8, Red Wings 1

Mike Benning celebrated his first two NHL goals while Wilmer Skoog recorded his first two assists in just his third game as Florida demolished Detroit 8-1 in Sunrise, Florida. Mikulas Hovorka also earned his first NHL point in his fourth appearance.

Luke Kunin contributed two goals and an assist, Cole Reinhardt added a goal and assist, Matthew Tkachuk and Marek Alscher each provided two assists, and Daniil Tarasov made 24 saves for the Panthers.

Justin Faulk scored Detroit’s only goal as the Red Wings finished their final 10 games with a disappointing 2-6-2 record. Cam Talbot relieved John Gibson, who allowed four goals on 11 shots before leaving in the second period after taking a puck to the face.

Rangers 4, Lightning 2

Tye Kartye scored twice in a three-point performance as visiting New York concluded their season with a victory over playoff-bound Tampa Bay.

Mika Zibanejad scored on the power play and added an assist, Gabe Perreault found the net, and J.T. Miller distributed two assists. Goaltender Dylan Garand stopped 29 shots to improve his record to 2-0-1.

Oliver Bjorkstrand and Corey Perry scored for Tampa Bay. Brandon Halverson made 17 saves in his second appearance this season.

Blackhawks 5, Sharks 2

Louis Crevier scored twice in the third period as Chicago rallied from a deficit with five straight goals to defeat visiting San Jose in their season finale.

Sam Rinzel, Ryan Greene and Nick Lardis also scored for the Blackhawks, Connor Bedard contributed two assists, and Spencer Knight made 15 saves. Chicago had previously lost four straight and nine of their last 10 games (1-8-1).

Mario Ferraro and Michael Misa scored for San Jose, Kiefer Sherwood had two assists, and Yaroslav Askarov made 19 saves while also stopping a penalty shot. The Sharks have lost four of their last five games (1-3-1) heading into Thursday’s finale at Winnipeg.

Former world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas experienced another disappointing early tournament exit Wednesday in Munich, extending a concerning decline that has seen the Greek tennis star fall far from elite status due to injury setbacks and erratic performance.

After rain delayed their match Tuesday evening with the score tied 2-2 in the final set, the 27-year-old completed his loss to Fabian Marozsan by scores of 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-4. This first-round elimination will push Tsitsipas’ world ranking down into the 70s, marking his lowest position in eight years.

The decision to compete in Munich rather than his typical Barcelona tournament stop has proven unsuccessful for Tsitsipas, who recognizes that his declining ranking means facing stronger opposition in tournament opening rounds.

“I’m aware that I might need to play good players in earlier rounds at different tournaments this year,” Tsitsipas explained to Tennis TV before the ATP 500 event began.

“It’s not an easy thing to get to play them early, but I also accept the challenge and I accept my current position and state, that these things need to happen in order for me to get back to where I belong.”

Despite demonstrating significant promise during his breakthrough eight years ago, Tsitsipas has failed to maintain consistent excellence since appearing in Grand Slam finals at the French Open in 2021 and Australian Open in 2023.

A persistent back problem disrupted the latter portion of his 2025 season, and although he entered this year focused simply on feeling competitive once more, his sole notable performance came in Doha with a quarterfinal appearance.

His dedication has faced scrutiny, particularly from former coach Goran Ivanisevic, who worked with him in 2025. Following Tsitsipas’ opening-round Wimbledon loss last year, Ivanisevic stated he had never encountered a more “unprepared player” throughout his career.

Prior to the Munich tournament, Tsitsipas indicated he might participate in additional ATP 250 events to rebuild his competitive rhythm. The Geneva Open represents the only remaining tournament at that level before the French Open begins May 24.

“I’m a player that needs matches, I’m a player that needs to play a lot of sets to feel my game better, and this is something I might need to do in the next couple of weeks,” he stated.

“I’m expecting to play a lot of tournaments, I want to get a lot of tournaments under my belt, but of course be careful where I choose my tournaments and when I get to play.”

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Stephen Curry mesmerized every spectator at Intuit Dome Wednesday night, draining seven three-pointers on his way to 35 points in a performance that showcased his legendary shooting prowess.

When the fourth quarter arrived in this must-win contest, Draymond Green stepped up defensively, completely neutralizing Kawhi Leonard and limiting one of basketball’s premier scorers.

Though Curry and Green have achieved everything possible during their 14-season partnership that includes four NBA titles, Wednesday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers was simply a play-in contest — the prize being a trip to Phoenix following a difficult regular season that saw Golden State finish 10th in the Western Conference, eight games under .500.

Yet both the manner and quality of this 126-121 rally victory brought back memories of the Warriors’ championship dynasty.

The remaining core players who experienced the entire championship run were excited to recapture that magic.

“For one night, we’re us. We’re champions again,” coach Steve Kerr said. “And I know that may sound crazy to everybody out there. It’s a play-in game. I don’t care. Just absolutely beautiful to watch.”

Curry expressed it more directly: “That’s what you live for right there.”

Golden State erased a 13-point fourth-quarter disadvantage thanks to Curry’s brilliance, as he tallied 27 points after halftime. While Curry handled the offensive load, Green dominated defensively by completely containing Leonard, who remained scoreless in the final period until the game was essentially decided.

The Warriors received excellent production from two recent additions. Kristaps Porzingis contributed 20 points, five rebounds and five assists while making several crucial plays — and 39-year-old Al Horford stunned the crowd by connecting on four three-pointers in the fourth quarter, playing just his third game after missing a month due to a strained right calf.

Curry’s decisive three-pointer broke the deadlock, sending him tumbling into the front row of Clippers supporters as the shot found its mark with 50 seconds remaining. The superstar was appearing in only his fifth game since returning from a 27-game absence due to a knee injury, proving why he dismissed suggestions to end his season early.

“This is what you work all year for, all summer, offseason,” Curry said. “We’re not guaranteed a (playoff) series yet, but these nights make everything worth it, because you feel the anxiety of having to perform when the lights are bright, do-or-die game. … Considering how our season has gone, all the injuries and all that, for us to play the way we did tonight was special.”

Green failed to score in the final quarter, but the Warriors praised their defensive anchor for neutralizing Leonard, whose performance against Toronto in the 2019 NBA Finals remains a sore subject for Golden State supporters.

With Green shadowing his every movement, Leonard managed just two fourth-quarter shot attempts. Leonard ended with 21 points while having minimal influence on the outcome compared to his typical impact.

Leonard acknowledged Green as a “Hall of Fame defender. It was hard to even get shots up.”

Green believed the Warriors could compete for a championship entering this season, but circumstances prevented that outcome. Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending injury in January, Moses Moody was hurt in March, and Golden State concluded the regular season with a 5-15 collapse that produced their worst full-season record since 2012.

However, after defeating Los Angeles, Golden State sits one victory away from reaching the playoffs regardless. Even for Warriors who have captured every possible prize, the opportunity to accomplish something unexpected remains appealing.

“I know we’re not satisfied,” Curry said. “We want to go to Phoenix and guarantee a playoff series against OKC. That’s the next goal, but for us to lock in on just 48 minutes, figure out how to get a win, knowing that the game was not going to be perfect, we were all pretty committed to that. The eight guys that got on the floor all had a part in making it happen.”

The Los Angeles Dodgers completed a dominant three-game sweep of the New York Mets with an 8-2 victory on Wednesday, powered by Shohei Ohtani’s exceptional pitching performance that included 10 strikeouts across six innings. The loss marked the eighth straight defeat for the struggling Mets.

Dalton Rushing delivered the game’s biggest blow with a grand slam, while Hyeseong Kim, Teoscar Hernandez, and Kyle Tucker also connected for home runs. The offensive explosion helped the Dodgers improve their record to 14-4 overall and an impressive 10-2 since April 3.

Ohtani earned his second win of the season (2-0) by allowing just one run on two hits and two walks. In an unusual move, the two-way star focused solely on pitching after taking a hit to his right shoulder during Monday’s game, marking the first time since May 2021 with the Angels that he pitched without also serving as a hitter.

The Mets managed only limited offensive production against Ohtani and the Dodgers’ pitching staff. Clay Holmes absorbed the loss (2-2) despite working five innings and surrendering two runs. MJ Melendez provided the brightest spot for New York with two doubles and an RBI, while top-of-the-order hitters Francisco Lindor, Luis Robert Jr., and Brett Baty each struggled, going hitless with multiple strikeouts.

Los Angeles opened the scoring in the second inning when Rushing doubled before Kim launched his first home run of the season, a shot that barely cleared the right field wall. Kim has seen increased playing time while Mookie Betts remains on the injured list.

New York finally broke through against Ohtani in the fifth inning after Francisco Alvarez and Marcus Semien drew walks. Melendez followed with an RBI ground-rule double that cut the lead to 2-1, ending Ohtani’s remarkable 16-inning streak without allowing an earned run to begin the season.

The Japanese star finished his outing in style, recording three consecutive strikeouts in the sixth inning.

Hernandez extended the Dodgers’ advantage with a leadoff home run in the bottom of the sixth against Tobias Myers, his fourth of the season. Relievers Blake Treinen and Tanner Scott maintained the lead with scoreless innings before Los Angeles erupted for five runs in the eighth inning, highlighted by Rushing’s grand slam and Tucker’s solo shot.

The Mets added a consolation run in the ninth when Semien delivered an RBI single, but the damage was already done as they managed just three total runs across the entire three-game series.

Veteran forward Al Horford delivered when it mattered most, draining four three-pointers during the final 5:37 to propel the Golden State Warriors past the Los Angeles Clippers 126-121 in Wednesday night’s Western Conference play-in tournament game in Inglewood, California.

The victory sends the Warriors into a winner-take-all showdown against Phoenix on Friday, with the eighth playoff seed and a first-round matchup against Oklahoma City on the line. For the Clippers, the defeat marks the end of their season.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr reflected on the significance of the win. “With all the wins we’ve ever had here,” Kerr explained, “a lot of them with a lot more at stake – this one is right up there because of where we are, and our age and the decline of our performance this year with the injuries. It was just a beautiful display of competitive will.”

Horford’s dramatic shooting surge fueled a decisive 27-13 Warriors rally to close the game. Stephen Curry, who scored 35 points on the night, sealed the victory with a long-range three-pointer with 50.4 seconds left on the clock, giving Golden State a 120-117 advantage they wouldn’t surrender. Curry made seven of 12 attempts from beyond the arc as the Warriors connected on 19 of 41 three-point shots for 46.3 percent.

After missing time with a knee injury, Curry had been playing limited minutes during the regular season’s final games. He logged nearly 36 minutes in Wednesday’s crucial contest.

“This is why Steph came back,” Kerr noted. “Everybody out there who thought Steph should have taken the rest of the year off, this is what he does. This is who he is. If he can compete, he’s going to compete.”

While Curry provided stellar production, it was the 39-year-old Horford who emerged as the unlikely hero. The veteran reserve had managed only two points before his game-changing barrage, finishing with 14 points total. His crucial baskets came courtesy of assists from Gui Santos and Curry.

Santos delivered an outstanding all-around performance with 20 points, six rebounds and five assists. Kristaps Porzingis also contributed 20 points for Golden State, including six consecutive points during a key fourth-quarter stretch.

Porzingis sparked the Warriors’ comeback by converting an and-one play, then immediately following with a three-pointer that cut a nine-point Clippers advantage to three with 8:17 remaining.

Los Angeles responded through Darius Garland, who made his own and-one before setting up Brook Lopez for an inside score. Garland capped his strong sequence with a three-pointer that restored the Clippers’ nine-point cushion with 6:37 left.

That basket proved to be Los Angeles’ final moment of control in a game they had dominated for most of the evening.

Garland and Kawhi Leonard each tallied 21 points as the Clippers built leads as large as 13 points. However, Los Angeles couldn’t maintain their advantage in the second half, especially as Leonard struggled offensively against intense defensive pressure from Draymond Green.

“We had the game in our hands,” said Clippers coach Tyronn Lue. “Some silly plays, not doing the right thing execution-wise. To be up 13 [points] with 10 minutes to go in the game, we’ve got to finish. So I’m disappointed.”

Leonard committed two fourth-quarter turnovers and managed his only points of the final period on a dunk in the closing seconds after Golden State had secured the victory. The star forward had scored 14 of his points in the first half, highlighted by a coast-to-coast slam just before halftime.

Bennedict Mathurin paced Los Angeles with 23 points coming off the bench.

CBS scored its biggest television audience in more than a decade Sunday as golf fans tuned in to watch Rory McIlroy defend his Masters title at Augusta National Golf Club.

The final round drew an average of 13,995,000 viewers, representing the largest CBS audience for Masters Sunday coverage since 2015 when Jordan Spieth claimed his first major championship, according to Front Office Sports.

Sunday’s viewership marked an 8% jump compared to last April’s final round, which attracted 12.71 million viewers when McIlroy achieved golf’s career grand slam in a dramatic playoff victory over England’s Justin Rose.

This year’s tournament delivered plenty of drama as well. McIlroy started strong, sharing the first-round lead before building a commanding six-stroke advantage at the halfway point. However, that margin disappeared by Saturday, leaving McIlroy tied with Cameron Young heading into the final round.

Saturday’s third round also benefited from the excitement, drawing 8.1 million CBS viewers – a 14% boost from the previous year’s 7.6 million and the highest third-round audience since Tiger Woods’ 2019 Masters triumph.

The final day’s tension peaked as Scottie Scheffler, currently ranked number one in the world, mounted a charge from four shots behind. Despite Scheffler’s pressure, McIlroy managed to secure the victory by a single stroke, joining an elite group that includes Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods as the only golfers to win consecutive Masters tournaments.

Viewership reached its highest point at just over 20 million viewers during Sunday’s broadcast – the tournament’s largest peak audience since Adam Scott’s 2013 victory when Woods finished tied for fourth. Last year’s peak reached 19.54 million viewers.

The 2026 Masters marked the first tournament measured using Nielsen’s new Big Data+ Panel system. This updated methodology aims to provide more comprehensive and precise audience measurement, typically resulting in higher ratings for live sporting events compared to previous tracking methods, Front Office Sports noted.

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham says the soccer club will take its time finding a new head coach following the unexpected resignation of Javier Mascherano on Tuesday.

Speaking to CBS Sports, Beckham explained the team needs to “let things settle down” after Mascherano’s abrupt departure for what the former coach described as personal reasons. According to ESPN, Mascherano made his decision over the weekend following a 2-2 tie with the New York Red Bulls.

The timing of the departure caught the organization off guard, with Beckham calling it “a difficult one.” Mascherano, age 41, had only been with the club since November 26, 2024, when he was brought in to lead the team.

“He came off the back of last season by winning our first championship,” Beckham said. “He’s an amazing person, a great coach, the players loved him, but obviously, these things happen in football clubs and we have to move on. We have to find a new coach at some point. But at the moment, we have to let things settle down. But, like I said, with owning a team, there are always challenges.”

Under Mascherano’s leadership, the Lionel Messi-led squad captured the 2025 MLS Cup title. The team also made impressive runs to the Leagues Cup final and CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal during the previous season.

Sporting director Guillermo Hoyos has stepped in as temporary manager for the Herons, who currently sit at 3-1-3 with 12 points. The team’s next match is scheduled for Saturday against the Colorado Rapids in Commerce City, Colorado.

Mascherano had taken over the position from Gerardo “Tata” Martino. This marked his first experience coaching a professional club, though he had been working with Argentina’s youth national teams since 2021. His previous coaching achievements included guiding squads to the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina and the quarterfinals of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

While Hoyos manages the team temporarily, chief soccer officer Alberto Marrero will handle sporting director responsibilities.

The NBA has determined that Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball deserved an ejection during Tuesday night’s playoff elimination game after he grabbed the ankle of Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, leading to a back injury that sidelined the All-Star player for the remainder of the contest.

League officials announced Wednesday that Ball engaged in “unnecessary and reckless contact” during the play-in tournament matchup. The guard received a $60,000 penalty – $35,000 for the incident with Adebayo and an additional $25,000 for using inappropriate language during a televised postgame interview. Despite the fine, Ball will be available for Charlotte’s Friday elimination matchup against Orlando.

According to the NBA’s assessment, the incident warranted a flagrant foul penalty two classification, which would have automatically resulted in Ball’s removal from the game. Had referees caught the violation during live play, Miami would have been granted two free throw attempts plus ball possession. Instead, the Heat fell 127-126 in overtime, bringing their season to a close.

The injury occurred during the early minutes of the second quarter, forcing Miami to play without their top performer for the majority of the game. Ironically, Ball scored the game-winning basket for Charlotte in the extra period.

Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra expressed frustration with the officiating crew’s failure to detect the incident, while acknowledging Charlotte’s strong performance. The three-man referee team included Zach Zarba, Curtis Blair, and Gediminas Petraitis.

“I don’t think that belongs in the game, tripping guys, shenanigans,” Spoelstra said. “Curtis was there. It’s his responsibility to see that. And if it’s not his responsibility, then Zach’s got to see it. Somebody’s got to see that. He should have been thrown out of the game for that. I don’t know him from anyone. There’s no place in the game for that.”

NBA regulations prevented Miami from requesting a coach’s challenge since no initial foul was whistled on the play. The action continued with a fast break, eliminating any chance for video review.

“The play wasn’t whistled in real time,” Zarba told a pool reporter. “Play continued with a fast break. And because play wasn’t stopped immediately, and there was no whistle on the play, the window to review the play was closed.”

The league chose not to address a separate postgame incident involving Ball striking Charlotte’s team mascot during victory celebrations.

This marks the second time Ball has targeted Adebayo’s legs during gameplay. A similar incident occurred in January 2024 when Ball grabbed at the Heat center’s leg while he was running downcourt, causing Adebayo to stumble without falling.

San Diego Padres backstop Freddy Fermin was forced to exit Wednesday evening’s matchup against the Seattle Mariners during the third frame after being struck by his second foul ball of the contest.

The catcher had already taken one foul ball off his protective mask in the second frame before Brendan Donovan’s swing on a 1-1 offering from Randy Vasquez sent another ball directly into Fermin’s face, striking him between the eyes.

The impact dropped Fermin to his knees on the field. Following consultation with the medical staff and manager Craig Stammen, who came out to check on the injured player, Fermin walked off under his own power.

Luis Campusano stepped in to take over catching duties, replacing Fermin who had not yet come to the plate through the first two frames. This season, Fermin has struggled at the dish, posting a .161 batting average with zero home runs and just two runs batted in across 14 appearances.

When Fermin departed the contest, the Mariners held a 2-0 advantage over San Diego.

Monday night’s WNBA draft captured the attention of 1.5 million viewers nationwide, making it the second-most watched draft in league history, according to ESPN data.

The broadcast saw a 20% jump in viewership compared to the previous year’s draft, with audience numbers peaking at 1.79 million just before 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The increased interest stemmed from questions surrounding who would be selected first overall and UCLA’s remarkable showing following their recent NCAA championship.

The all-time viewership record remains at 2.45 million from 2024, when college basketball stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese were drafted first and seventh respectively.

The Dallas Wings made UConn’s Azzi Fudd their number one selection this year. Dallas also held the top pick in the previous draft, using it to choose Fudd’s former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers, who earned WNBA Rookie of the Year honors.

UCLA’s Bruins made draft history after capturing their first NCAA championship this month, setting new records with five first-round selections and six total players drafted. The first-round picks included Lauren Betts going fourth to Washington Mystics, Gabriela Jaquez fifth to Chicago Sky, Kiki Rice sixth to expansion team Toronto Tempo, Angela Dugalic ninth to Washington Mystics, and Gianna Kneepkens 15th to Connecticut Sun. Charlisse Leger-Walker was selected 18th overall by Connecticut in the second round’s third pick.

Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey boldly declared that her upcoming May showdown with Gina Carano represents the most significant mixed martial arts contest in history during a Wednesday press conference.

The 39-year-old fighter, who made history as the first female inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame and earned Olympic bronze in judo at the 2008 Beijing Games, successfully defended her bantamweight championship six times before suffering a shocking defeat to Holly Holm in 2015.

“This is not just the biggest women’s fight of all time … This is something that’s going to happen once in a lifetime in MMA, is the beginning of something huge,” Rousey declared during the media event.

Rousey dismissed suggestions that the matchup represents merely “nostalgia bait or a cash grab,” referencing the massive viewership numbers from Mike Tyson’s November 2024 encounter with Jake Paul as proof that audiences remain eager to watch legendary fighters return to competition.

That Tyson-Paul matchup attracted 108 million global viewers, setting records as the most-watched sporting event in streaming platform history.

The Rousey-Carano contest will mark promotion company MVP’s first venture into mixed martial arts and will be available for streaming on Netflix beginning May 16.

The former champion also responded sharply to current UFC women’s bantamweight titleholder Kayla Harrison, who recently dismissed Rousey as irrelevant during a podcast appearance.

“Gina is so relevant that she’s the whole reason the 145lb division even exists. I am so relevant that the only reason Kayla has a job at the UFC is because of me,” Rousey fired back.

“She has the charisma of a wet towel and will always be in someone else’s shadow. The next time she wants to talk, she should look down at her feet and consider who paved the road she’s walking on.”

Regarding fighter compensation, Rousey revealed that every competitor on the MVP card will receive a minimum $40,000 purse, emphasizing this was “something the UFC cannot say.”

For 43-year-old Carano, who hasn’t competed since losing to Cris Cyborg in 2009, this return feels markedly different from her previous fighting experiences.

“I feel real peace and excitement about it. It’s not anxiety, it’s excitement — and that’s new for me,” Carano shared.

The event’s co-main attraction will feature former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou taking on Philipe Lins, while Nate Diaz squares off against BKFC’s Mike Perry in the welterweight division.

NEW YORK — The National Football League is moving forward with contingency plans for substitute officials as contract talks with current referees remain stalled, according to communications sent to team organizations.

Multiple media outlets reported Wednesday that potential replacement officials have finished initial vetting processes, including background screenings, and are preparing to undergo medical evaluations. If these steps are completed, training with league officiating supervisors could commence as soon as next month.

The league is pursuing these backup measures due to unsuccessful contract discussions with the officials’ union, according to two individuals familiar with the negotiations who spoke to The Associated Press last month under condition of anonymity given the confidential nature of the talks.

The current labor contract between the NFL and the NFL Referees Association expires on May 31.

ESPN reported that Perry Fewell, the league’s senior vice president of officiating, notified teams Wednesday that additional details will be provided in coming weeks regarding when substitute officials might be available for offseason training programs and minicamps scheduled to start in June, should no agreement be reached with the union.

Contract discussions between the two sides have been ongoing since summer 2024.

The NFL has raised its proposal to a 6.45% yearly increase in pay over a six-year contract, while the NFLRA is seeking 10% plus $2.5 million in marketing fees, according to the two AP sources from last month.

NFLRA executive director Scott Green disputed these figures to the AP, stating “those numbers are not accurate.” He compared the current negotiations to the 2012 situation when an impasse led to a 110-day lockout and the use of replacement officials.

CHICAGO — A medical emergency during pre-game ceremonies at Wednesday night’s Chicago White Sox versus Tampa Bay Rays matchup sent a performer to the hospital and delayed the start of play.

Gerald Chaney, a Chicago resident, experienced a collapse while performing during Jackie Robinson Day commemorations at the ballpark. The White Sox organization reported that Chaney remained conscious following the incident that occurred as he sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” widely recognized as the Black national anthem.

The performer had begun singing just a few words of the hymn when he paused, attempted to continue, then fell to the ground. Medical personnel responded immediately, providing treatment on the field for several minutes while both teams observed from their respective dugouts.

Paramedics eventually transported Chaney from the playing field on a stretcher to receive further medical care. The baseball game’s first pitch was pushed back by 12 minutes due to the medical situation.

LOS ANGELES — For the first time in nearly three years, Shohei Ohtani stepped onto the pitcher’s mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday evening without also taking his place in the batting order as designated hitter.

The Japanese superstar was sidelined from hitting duties due to lingering discomfort from being struck by a pitch during Monday’s game against the New York Mets. Pitcher David Peterson’s throw hit Ohtani on the back of his right shoulder, causing him to cry out in pain, though he remained in the contest.

This marked the first occasion since May 28, 2021, while playing for the Los Angeles Angels, that Ohtani has been absent from the batting lineup during one of his pitching appearances.

“If it weren’t for the hit by pitch, he would’ve been DHing and pitching tonight,” manager Dave Roberts explained prior to the game. “But I do think that just to be able to pitch and focus on that will be a benefit for the mind and the body, and hopefully, we’re just in a little moment of fatigue and we can get past it.”

According to Roberts, Ohtani’s condition has shown steady improvement since Monday’s incident. However, the medical staff, coaching team, and Roberts agreed it would be wise to rest him from batting in the series conclusion, even though Ohtani was caught off guard by the choice.

“Because I’ve never asked him to pitch and not hit,” Roberts explained. “I think that he understands that I’m making a decision that’s best for the player, for him, and for the team.”

The star player has struggled offensively since the injury, going hitless in seven at-bats following the incident.

Despite his recent batting woes, Ohtani extended his remarkable on-base streak to 48 games after receiving an intentional walk during Tuesday’s eighth inning. This achievement ranks as the fourth-longest such streak in the franchise’s history.

Roberts anticipates Ohtani will resume both pitching and hitting responsibilities for his upcoming start, though he mentioned potentially considering similar rest periods for hitting on future pitching days.

“It’s got to make sense to not have your best hitter not in the lineup,” Roberts noted. “Then the question is when he does hit, on days that he pitches, where’s the best for him to hit in the order? I think there’s fair arguments to both, to moving him down a little bit, give him a breather, let him get into the game. But I’m not prepared to make that decision quite yet. But it is something that I’m mindful of it.”

Regarding his pitching performance, Ohtani saw his impressive 22⅔-inning scoreless streak end during last week’s game in Toronto. However, the right-handed pitcher has maintained an extraordinary run without allowing an earned run since August 27, 2025, against Cincinnati — spanning 28⅔ innings.

Last season marked Ohtani’s inaugural pitching campaign with the Dodgers, where he compiled a 1-1 record with a 2.87 ERA and recorded 62 strikeouts across 47 innings in 14 starts. His four-seam fastball reached a career-high average velocity of 98.4 mph during the season.

Ohtani’s current 48-game on-base streak represents a record for Japanese-born players, surpassing Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki’s previous mark of 43 consecutive games set in 2009.

Roberts confirmed that Ohtani would not be available for pinch-hitting duties against the Mets.

“You can tell Carlos Mendoza he’s an option, though,” he joked, referring to New York’s manager.

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee announced Wednesday it is keeping a watchful eye on the growing controversy surrounding Casey Wasserman, who leads the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics organizing committee, signaling a shift from earlier support for the embattled chairman.

The heightened attention comes after Justice Department documents released in January connected Wasserman to Jeffrey Epstein.

“We’ve actively engaged and listened to our stakeholders, including athletes, and we’re closely monitoring the impact on our community,” USOPC chair Gene Sykes told reporters during a conference call. “We’ve also shared our concerns directly with the LA28 board, which is responsible for determining who serves as its chair.”

Back in February, LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover had expressed confidence in Wasserman, stating that sponsors weren’t voicing worries and that daily operations remained unaffected.

Despite the ongoing scrutiny, Sykes noted that LA28’s leadership team continues making “very solid” headway in organizing efforts and building partnerships, maintaining robust backing from both commercial partners and government entities.

Olympic officials highlighted overwhelming interest in the 2028 Games after worldwide ticket sales launched last week.

The global sales phase began following a record-breaking local pre-sale period, though many prospective attendees have criticized steep prices, additional charges, and limited ticket availability.

Sykes explained that organizers have worked to provide various pricing options, including over one million affordable tickets.

“There was a registration process over a month. They had a tremendous number of registrations… and they’ve been selling tickets at a remarkable rate,” he said.

“There are clearly some tickets which are high-priced, but they’ve made a great effort to have low-price tickets. They’ll have a million tickets priced at $28… so I know they’re thinking very seriously about how to manage the ticket activity so that it satisfies everybody.”

Sykes also responded to widespread criticism about a 24% service charge added to ticket purchases, calling it industry standard practice, while acknowledging that organizers are aware of the negative reaction and have thoroughly discussed the matter.

“They are not only aware of the issue, but they had given us a lot to think about,” he said.

INDIANAPOLIS — College sports officials announced Wednesday they are examining a potential shift to age-based eligibility requirements that would provide Division I athletes with a five-year competition window beginning right after they complete high school or reach age 19, whichever occurs earlier.

During meetings that wrapped up Wednesday, the Division I Cabinet reviewed this possibility but stopped short of adopting an official stance. Cabinet members endorsed having NCAA personnel continue exploring the concept with various stakeholders to collect input.

According to the Cabinet, this new framework would incorporate potential exemptions for situations including pregnancy, military duty, and religious missions.

This age-focused approach mirrors a concept featured in an executive order that President Donald Trump signed on April 3.

Under present regulations, student-athletes typically receive four seasons of eligibility spread across five years without any age limitations.

The consideration of age-based requirements follows multiple legal challenges by athletes seeking to extend their collegiate careers and earning opportunities through revenue sharing and name, image and likeness agreements.

At the same meetings, Cabinet members approved modifications to pre-enrollment eligibility standards, including a provision that would prevent athletes who have participated in and stayed in professional sports drafts from competing collegiately.

Among these regulations is a requirement for prospects to remove themselves from opt-in professional league drafts, such as the NBA draft, aligning pre-college enrollment draft policies with post-college enrollment draft policies. Men’s ice hockey and baseball would remain unaffected since athletes don’t opt into those sports’ drafts.

This modification followed the cases of two basketball players, Alabama’s Charles Bediako and Baylor’s James Nnaji, who competed collegiately this season despite having entered the 2023 NBA draft.

Bediako competed for two seasons at Alabama before declaring for the draft. Though undrafted, he spent three years in the G League, the NBA’s developmental league. He appeared in five games this past season before the Alabama Supreme Court confirmed a ruling declaring him ineligible.

Nnaji was chosen by the Detroit Pistons in the second round. Following professional play overseas, he enrolled as a freshman at Baylor in December. He received eligibility approval because he had never executed an NBA contract or competed in the G League. Under the new regulations, he would be ineligible for the 2026-27 season.

Additional changes permit athletes to work with agents before enrollment for purposes beyond name, image and likeness deals and allow them to receive prize money in their sports without affecting eligibility status.

Former world number one Iga Swiatek secured her spot in the quarterfinals at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany on Wednesday, defeating home favorite Laura Siegemund 6-2, 6-3. The victory marked Swiatek’s debut match working alongside her new clay court coach Francisco Roig.

The third-seeded Polish player, who has captured the Stuttgart title twice before, initially struggled to hold onto an early service break in the first set. However, she regained control by breaking Siegemund’s serve in both the sixth and eighth games to claim the opening set. The six-time Grand Slam winner faced similar early challenges in the second set, failing to convert an initial break opportunity, but ultimately broke through in the eighth game to establish a 5-3 advantage before sealing the victory. Having received a first-round bye, Swiatek now moves forward to the quarterfinal round.

Turkish qualifier Zeynep Sonmez delivered a stunning upset by defeating Italy’s fifth-seeded Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-2 in just one hour and 16 minutes. Sonmez dominated with a 72% first-serve percentage and captured 62.5% of second-return points, while Paolini struggled to convert her single break-point chance and managed only 41.8% of total points.

Ukraine’s fourth-seeded Elina Svitolina delivered a commanding performance against Germany’s Eva Lys, winning 6-1, 6-0. Meanwhile, sixth-seeded Mirra Andreeva of Russia overcame defending champion Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia in a three-set battle, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4. Additional winners included American qualifier Alycia Parks, who beat German wild card Noma Noha Akugue 6-4, 6-2, and Czech Republic’s Linda Noskova, who outlasted China’s Zhang Shuai 5-7, 6-1, 6-4.

At the Rouen Metropolitan Open in France, unseeded British player Katie Boulter stunned third-seeded Jaqueline Cristian of Romania 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-1 to reach the quarterfinals. Boulter, who has claimed just one WTA Tour title, navigated a challenging opening set where she built a 5-0 tiebreaker lead before Cristian saved five set points. Though Cristian bounced back to take the second set, Boulter dominated the final set with two service breaks to secure the upset.

Top-seeded Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine recovered from dropping the first set to unseeded American Caty McNally, rallying for a 2-6, 6-2, 6-1 victory and a quarterfinal berth. Kostyuk’s next opponent will be fifth-seeded American Ann Li, who completed her own comeback against unseeded Kamilla Rakhimova of Uzbekistan, winning 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. Germany’s unseeded Tatjana Maria upset ninth-seeded Elsa Jacquemot of France 6-4, 6-3, while other advancing players included second-seeded Sorana Cirstea of Romania, Hungary’s Anna Bondar, and Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Western Conference’s powerhouse teams are set to cannibalize each other in what promises to be a dramatic Stanley Cup playoff run, thanks to a controversial NHL bracket system that has drawn criticism from players and management alike.

The playoff structure guarantees that at least two of the conference’s three strongest teams – Colorado, Dallas, and Minnesota – will be eliminated before reaching the conference finals, despite their dominant regular season performances.

“The rules are the rules, so you deal with them, and if you’re going to win the Stanley Cup, you’ve got to beat all the teams anyway, so it is what it is,” Stars general manager Jim Nill said.

The NHL reintroduced this divisional-focused playoff system during the 2013-14 season restructuring, aiming to create more intense opening rounds and strengthen geographic rivalries. However, the format has sparked debate, particularly this spring as the Avalanche, Stars, and Wild dominated both their division and conference standings throughout most of the season.

Colorado, despite leading the entire league, would meet either Minnesota or Dallas in round two if they advance as expected against the second wild card team. Meanwhile, Dallas receives little benefit for securing the third-best record league-wide, having reached the Western Conference championship in each of the previous three seasons.

“Well, I’ve yet to meet somebody who likes it, so I’ll leave it at that,” Stars forward Matt Duchene said. “I think everybody feels the same way. Regular season should set you up well if you do well, and with our division being as strong as it is, it doesn’t, right? But at the same time, there’s nothing we can do about it. You’ve got to go through great teams no matter what round you’re in.”

Dallas nearly caught Colorado for the top spot last month before stumbling in the final stretch. Colorado’s first-place finish at least earned them the advantage of avoiding a Central Division rival in the opening round.

“We’re just worried about our business. We like to clinch the one seed just to be able to have home ice throughout the entire thing,” center Brock Nelson said.

This marks only the third instance in the current format’s 13-year history where one conference’s top three teams all belonged to the same division. In previous similar situations, the favored teams struggled to capitalize on their regular season dominance.

During the 2016-17 season, Washington led the NHL and captured the Metropolitan Division title, only to fall in round two to second-seeded Pittsburgh, which subsequently claimed the Stanley Cup. Similarly, in 2015-16, Dallas topped the Central Division with 109 points and the league’s second-best record, but lost in the second round to runner-up St. Louis.

Commissioner Gary Bettman remains dedicated to the current structure, which he promotes as creating the most exciting first round in professional sports, emphasizing both competitive intensity and extended series that generate additional games. The format echoes a 12-year period from 1981-82 through 1992-93 when the NHL selected each division’s top four teams without wild card spots, before eventually adopting conference-based seeding.

Players and executives who experienced or watched that earlier era feel some nostalgic connection to the current system, which helps temper their frustration with the format’s drawbacks.

“Winning the Stanley Cup, there’s no such thing as an easy path,” said Nill, who competed for Winnipeg during the mid-1980s when his squad consistently finished behind Edmonton and Calgary in the Smythe Division.

Minnesota, which achieved their third-best franchise record with 104 points, has suffered through nine consecutive series defeats since their last playoff advancement in 2015. Defeating Dallas would provide a significant breakthrough to snap that lengthy drought.

“It’s an opportunity for us to get better and to build our game and to hopefully be there at the finish line, right? So I’m not too concerned about who we’re playing,” forward Nick Foligno said. “I think this team understands that if we play the way we need to, we have a great chance against anybody.”

NEW YORK — The New York Islanders hockey organization is under fire after displaying a controversial fundraising appeal on their arena’s big screen during Tuesday night’s match against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The promotional display featured former New York Police Department sergeant Erik Duran, who recently received a three to nine-year prison sentence for manslaughter in connection with the death of 30-year-old Eric Duprey.

Arena attendees saw Duran’s photograph alongside a scannable code allowing direct contributions to his legal defense fund. The Sergeants Benevolent Association provided messaging encouraging supporters to join what they called “the fight for justice.” Additionally, the hockey franchise committed to donating 25% of their evening’s 50/50 raffle earnings to support Duran’s cause, union officials confirmed.

Vincent Vallelong, who leads the police union, explained that The New York Post contacted him about the Islanders organization “wanting to do something” to help Duran.

Team representatives chose not to provide statements regarding the matter. The Post also did not respond to media inquiries.

Legal counsel for Duprey’s relatives, Jon Roberts, expressed their family’s distress over the hockey team’s choice to support Duran’s defense efforts, even in a symbolic capacity.

“This was not a neutral act,” Roberts stated. “It sends a message — intended or not — that risks undermining public confidence in a fair legal process and deepens the pain of a family still grieving.”

National Hockey League officials have not yet responded to requests for comment.

The fatal incident occurred during a 2023 undercover narcotics operation in the Bronx involving Duran and fellow officers.

Video evidence captured Duran grabbing a nearby cooler containing beverages and ice, then hurling it toward Duprey as he attempted to escape on a motorized scooter. The thrown cooler caused Duprey to collide with a tree, resulting in his immediate death.

February’s guilty verdict against the former sergeant sparked significant demonstrations from law enforcement personnel and supporters who claimed such prosecutions would discourage police work and compromise community safety. This marks the first instance in approximately twenty years where an NYPD officer will serve prison time for a death occurring during official duties. Defense attorneys plan to challenge the conviction.

Union leader Vallelong described the fundraising opportunity at the professional hockey venue as unexpected, saying it “came out of left field.”

Published images from The New York Post show Vallelong photographed with Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky and newspaper executive Pat Judge at the Long Island arena.

According to Vallelong, spectators responded enthusiastically when Duran’s image appeared on the scoreboard display. He defended the hockey organization’s fundraising decision against detractors.

“They’re a private organization. They can do whatever they want,” Vallelong said, comparing the promotion to military appreciation events common in professional athletics.

Vallelong refused to disclose the total amount collected for Duran’s legal fund. The evening’s 50/50 raffle generated $44,890 according to the team’s official website.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman recently highlighted how the league has historically seen opening-round playoff pairings settled on the season’s final day, and this year follows that same pattern.

Three series matchups remained undetermined until the last day before this weekend’s playoff start. Here’s a breakdown of the confirmed first-round series:

Carolina (53-22-7, 113 points): Under Rod Brind’Amour’s leadership, the Hurricanes have reached the playoffs for eight straight seasons and earned the Eastern Conference’s top seed, giving them home-ice advantage through the conference championship. Their advantages include playoff experience with three Eastern Conference final appearances in recent years and seven players who scored 20 or more goals, topped by Seth Jarvis with 32. However, questions persist about their goaltending situation and their history of offensive struggles in high-pressure situations.

Ottawa (43-27-11, 97 points with 1 game remaining): The Senators sat 15th among 16 Eastern Conference teams on January 25 before winning 20 of their following 29 contests to secure a playoff spot. Travis Green’s squad plays with intensity, and goaltender Linus Ullmark can dominate when performing at his peak. Late-season injuries revealed impressive organizational depth. Their challenges include taking the seventh-most penalties league-wide while ranking fourth-worst in penalty killing, plus the energy spent on their dramatic comeback.

Whyno’s prediction: Carolina (-175) deserves favorite status due to superior talent, but expect a challenging series. Hurricanes in six games.

Pittsburgh (41-25-16, 98 points): The underdog Penguins have given Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang another postseason opportunity after three years away from the playoffs. Erik Karlsson has excelled at age 35, while rookie coach Dan Muse employs a system that enables quick scoring bursts and momentum shifts. Their defensive play and goaltending remain problematic, often requiring them to outscore their issues.

Philadelphia (43-27-12, 98 points): The Flyers have dominated since March 7, posting a 15-5-1 record to reach their first playoffs since 2020. They benefit from veteran leadership like Sean Couturier while riding emerging young talents Tyson Foerster, Porter Martone, and Matvei Michkov. Goaltender Dan Vladar carried a heavy workload during the stretch run, and many players lack experience with playoff pressure.

Whyno’s prediction: Pittsburgh (-160) possesses too many battle-tested veterans and could surprise with an extended run. Penguins in five games.

Buffalo (50-23-8, 108 points with 1 game remaining): The Sabres overcame an 18-29 start to break the league’s longest playoff absence and capture their division title, with Lindy Ruff emerging as a coach of the year candidate. Unlike previous seasons, players have learned to handle close games and secure victories rather than collapse. Tage Thompson provides scoring threats from anywhere on the ice. Their inexperience could surface during playoff intensity, making player adaptation crucial.

Boston (45-27-10, 100 points): Following a one-year playoff absence, the Bruins leaned on 100-point scorer David Pastrnak, goaltender Jeremy Swayman, and top defenseman Charlie McAvoy for stability. Marco Sturm provides excellent coaching, and Swayman delivered an outstanding season. They represent a dependable but unspectacular team that relies heavily on Pastrnak and top offensive contributors.

Whyno’s prediction: Buffalo (-190) succeeds after being tested to their limits. Sabres in seven games.

Tampa Bay (50-25-6, 106 points with 1 game remaining): The Lightning weathered injuries to key players including defensemen Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh, plus centers Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli, yet remain Stanley Cup contenders thanks to winger Nikita Kucherov, goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, and roster depth. Vasilevskiy provides championship-level goaltending nightly, while extended player absences showcased coach Jon Cooper’s excellence. Hedman hasn’t played since mid-March with uncertain playoff availability.

Montreal (48-24-10, 106 points): The Canadiens closed strong with eight consecutive victories and 15 wins in their final 21 games, featuring Cole Caufield as the franchise’s first 50-goal scorer since 1990 and center Nick Suzuki entering MVP consideration. They excel at quick puck movement and can score at even strength or on power plays. They must prove their ability to play playoff-style defense and receive consistent goaltending.

Whyno’s prediction: Tampa Bay (-235) brings championship experience, but Montreal arrives hot at the perfect time. Canadiens in six games.

Dallas (49-20-12, 110 points with 1 game remaining): The Stars will miss injured center Roope Hintz for at least two games, with top defenseman Miro Heiskanen’s return timeline also uncertain, despite their overall strength. Jake Oettinger can dominate in goal, particularly in third periods, while winger Mikko Rantanen has proven playoff credentials. Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnson both exceeded 40 goals. Key injuries may prove overwhelming against elite competition.

Minnesota (46-24-12, 104 points): The Wild have lost eight straight playoff series since their last advancement in 2015, though they now feature elite defenseman Quinn Hughes following a December trade. Top wingers Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy provide offensive firepower, with Hughes joining Brock Faber on defense. Center depth remains problematic, along with inconsistent goaltending since February’s Olympic break.

Whyno’s prediction: Dallas (-100) holds slight favorite status but faces injury concerns at an inopportune time. Wild in seven games.

Western Conference will finalize three remaining matchups by Thursday evening.

Colorado, the Presidents’ Trophy recipient, will meet either Los Angeles, Anaheim, or two-time defending conference champion Edmonton. Among the Kings, Ducks, and Oilers, two teams will face each other while the third meets Vegas.

Multiple news sources confirmed Wednesday that Indiana University has secured a commitment from Aiden Sherrell, a former Alabama center who entered the NCAA transfer portal.

The big man is heading to Bloomington following a productive season with Alabama where he posted 11.1 points per game, pulled down 6.2 rebounds, and recorded 2.2 blocks across 34 contests, starting every game for the Crimson Tide.

Standing 6-foot-10 and weighing 255 pounds, Sherrell demonstrated strong shooting efficiency last season, connecting on 53.9% of his field goal attempts and 33.8% from beyond the arc. His defensive presence was notable as well, recording eight rejections in two separate games during the season.

Earlier Wednesday, Sherrell announced his departure from Alabama through a social media post.

“I want to sincerely thank the University of Alabama, coach (Nate) Oats, and the entire coaching staff and support team for believing in me and giving me the chance to be a part of such a special program,” Sherrell wrote on Instagram. “The experience, knowledge, and relationships I’ve built during my time in Tuscaloosa are something I will always carry with me.

“To my teammates, thank you for pushing me every day and making this journey unforgettable. The brotherhood we created goes far beyond basketball, and I’m grateful for every moment we’ve shared.”

The head of FIFA confirmed on Wednesday that Iran’s national soccer team will definitely take part in the upcoming World Cup, even as the country remains engaged in military conflict with the United States.

During an appearance at CNBC’s Invest in America Forum, FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of Iran’s World Cup participation, despite questions surrounding their involvement following U.S. and Israeli military strikes against the nation.

“The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes,” Infantino stated. “We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation. As I said, that would definitely help. But Iran has to come. Of course, they represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play.”

Two weeks prior to his Wednesday comments, Infantino traveled to Antalya, Turkey, where he met with Iran’s national team and came away with positive impressions.

“I went to see them. They are actually quite a good team as well,” Infantino remarked. “And they really want to play and they should play. Sports should be outside of politics now.”

The FIFA president recognized that completely separating athletics from political matters isn’t always achievable.

“OK we don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth,” Infantino explained. “But you know if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and in keeping them, you know, intact and together, well we are doing that job.”

The World Cup will take place across three host nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Iran’s tournament schedule includes two group matches in Inglewood, California, with an additional game set for Seattle.

The ongoing military conflict has created uncertainty about whether Iran would actually participate in the World Cup. Mixed messages from both Iranian government representatives and soccer officials have added to the confusion. President Donald Trump has advised against the Iranian team’s attendance, expressing concerns about their safety.

A former University of Alabama football player who helped the team win a national championship in 2009 is preparing to enter a guilty plea in connection with an elaborate $20 million fraud operation where he allegedly posed as professional NFL players, according to reports from The Guardian and federal court records obtained by AL.com.

Federal prosecutors in Atlanta filed charges against Luther Davis on March 19, though the case remained under wraps until Wednesday’s news report. Davis faces serious felony charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Court filings reveal that Davis collaborated with an associate named CJ Evins to secure 13 separate loans by assuming the identities of active and former NFL players. The victims included Michael Penix Jr., David Njoku, and Xavier McKinney, who was recruited by former Alabama head coach Nick Saban in 2017. The total amount of the fraudulent loans exceeded $19,845,000.

Federal documents state that Davis and Evins “executed a scheme to fraudulently obtain millions of dollars in loans from multiple lenders … by impersonating football players and falsely claiming those players were seeking multi-million dollar loans.”

The elaborate deception involved Davis wearing what authorities described as a “durag-style head covering” while pretending to be Penix, and using photographs of players found online to support their false identities. Both suspects employed wigs, cosmetics, and fabricated identification documents during “virtual loan closings” conducted without the knowledge or permission of the actual players.

Federal prosecutors detailed the timeline of the criminal activity, stating: “Beginning no later than in or around May 2023 and continuing through in or about October 2024, the defendant, Luther Davis, and CJ Evins, executed a scheme to fraudulently obtain millions of dollars in loans from multiple lenders, including, but not limited to, Aliya Sports and All Pro Capital Funding, by impersonating professional football players and falsely claiming those players were seeking multi-million dollar Loans.”

Davis, who operates a sports management business in Georgia, was among the first recruits signed by Saban when he arrived at Alabama in 2007. The Louisiana native from West Monroe had earned U.S. Army All-American honors and went on to play 45 games as a defensive lineman during his four-year career with the Crimson Tide.

Following his departure from Alabama, Davis came under scrutiny in 2013 when Yahoo Sports identified him as a potential “runner” who facilitated payments from advisers and agents to SEC prospects. Former Alabama star offensive lineman D.J. Fluker was reportedly among the recruits involved in those allegations.

Major League Baseball has shortened the suspension handed to Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jorge Soler from seven games down to four following a successful appeal, according to multiple reports released Wednesday.

The 34-year-old veteran started serving his penalty Wednesday during the Angels’ third matchup in their four-game road series against the New York Yankees. Soler will remain sidelined through Sunday when Los Angeles wraps up a three-game homestand against the San Diego Padres.

The disciplinary action stemmed from a bench-clearing brawl that erupted between the Atlanta Braves and Angels on April 7 during their regular season matchup.

The incident began when Soler launched a two-run home run against pitcher Reynaldo Lopez during his initial plate appearance. In his subsequent at-bat, Lopez drilled Soler with a pitch that struck his left hand. The situation escalated further when Lopez threw a high and tight fastball in the fifth inning that deflected off catcher Jonah Heim’s mitt and rolled to the backstop.

After glaring at Lopez for several moments, Soler charged toward the pitcher’s mound. The two players confronted each other and exchanged swings, though none of the punches connected cleanly, as teammates from both dugouts rushed onto the field. Lopez defended himself using his glove while throwing punches with his pitching hand, which was still gripping the baseball.

Braves skipper Walt Weiss ultimately brought Soler down near the first base line, helping to end the altercation.

Soler earned World Series MVP honors with Atlanta in 2021 and has since played for three different organizations, including a second stint with the Braves in 2024.

Lopez also negotiated with MLB officials and had his original suspension reduced to five games.

Championship-caliber NFL franchises have mastered the art of discovering talent in the final days of the draft, turning overlooked prospects into essential roster pieces.

Though media attention focuses heavily on first-round selections who command immediate attention, the ability to evaluate talent in rounds four through seven proves critical for long-term organizational success.

First-round selections capture headlines, earn substantial contracts, and face enormous pressure to perform immediately. These marquee players drive ticket sales and jersey purchases. However, championship rosters are constructed and maintained through Saturday’s draft selections in the fourth through seventh rounds. Organizations that regularly compete for titles consistently uncover contributors during these later rounds.

These players become special teams cornerstones, develop into starting-caliber talent, and supply vital roster depth.

“I’d say the late round to (undrafted) free agents, honestly, the fifth through undrafted players, it’s probably a similar pool of players,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said. “That’s where you tip your hat to your scouting staff because they know the players as much as anybody, and we spend as much time talking about that group of players as we do the other players that are graded higher. …

“You take a lot of pride in those players because those players have an opportunity to enhance your overall program, enhance your overall team. Again, just get them in the building. If they’re on the roster, great. If they’re off the roster in the practice squad, no problem. We’ve talked about this. You’re going to need those players at some point to go in and play really important snaps.”

Elite scouting organizations distinguish themselves during the draft’s final rounds by investing months identifying overlooked characteristics and untapped potential that competing teams missed.

The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks featured five regular starters who were either Day 3 selections or undrafted signings. Tight end A.J. Barner, guard Anthony Bradford, and cornerback Coby Bryant all came via fourth-round selections. Center Jalen Sundell and linebacker Drake Thomas joined the roster after going undrafted.

The 2024 Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles discovered one of their premier offensive linemen by taking a gamble on Australian rugby player Jordan Mailata in the seventh round during 2018. Edge rusher Josh Sweat, who recorded 2½ sacks against Patrick Mahomes in their dominant Super Bowl victory over Kansas City, was a fourth-round selection. Starting safety Reed Blankenship joined as an undrafted free agent.

Among Philadelphia’s legendary players stands Jason Kelce, a sixth-round selection who commanded the offensive line for over ten years and contributed to the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship in 2018 plus another title game appearance in 2023. Howie Roseman was serving his second season as general manager when he drafted Kelce in 2011.

“I think when you’re talking about the first-round picks, you’re hoping you’re getting a two-contract player that has Pro Bowl potential,” Roseman said. “So you’re looking at it over hopefully eight-, nine-, 10-year period. Then I think as you go through the draft, those expectations change just based on really the research on those picks. When you’re in the fifth round, can you expect that you’re going to get an eight-, nine-, 10-year player based on the resource? Maybe not. Obviously, that’s what we’re looking to do and that’s what we’re looking to hit on.”

Regarding salary cap management, Day 3 selections and undrafted signings provide exceptional value through smaller salaries, controllable contracts, and minimal financial risk. These athletes also contribute to organizational culture. They typically arrive with motivation to prove doubters wrong, feeling undervalued or dismissed. They challenge veteran players and intensify internal competition.

“Great players come from everywhere in the draft, whether they’re a first-round pick, seventh-round pick, undrafted free agent,” Colts GM Chris Ballard said. “Our scouts do a great job of digging and trying to dig out those types of players that we think can come in and produce right away. They come from everywhere.”

Tom Brady represents the pinnacle of late-round draft success. New England selected him 199th overall in the sixth round during 2000. He subsequently guided the Patriots to six Super Bowl championships and established himself as the greatest quarterback in professional football history.

The San Francisco 49ers transformed Mr. Irrelevant—the draft’s final selection in 2022—into a franchise quarterback by choosing Brock Purdy with pick 262. Despite trading up to select QB Trey Lance third overall in 2021, Purdy surpassed him, directing San Francisco to the NFC championship game as a rookie and the Super Bowl during his sophomore campaign.

“I will tell you that a lot of the things we track in terms of successful draft choices over the years, there’s obviously a requisite amount of ability,” 49ers GM John Lynch said. “A lot of it goes to the person, the intangibles that they possess or don’t possess in terms of them making it or not making it. And I think that’s because, having done it myself for 15 years, the NFL is very hard. It’s tough. It’s not easy. You’re going to be tested over and over and over. And so, do you have that mental fortitude that when things get tough, because they will and they do and that never goes away, do you have that mental toughness, that physical toughness to endure and get the most out of whatever your abilities are? I think that’s really critical, but the tape is very critical.”

MINNEAPOLIS — Both Major League Baseball and the Minnesota Twins have launched investigations after Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran claimed a spectator told him to take his own life during Tuesday night’s game at Target Field.

The incident occurred when Duran was walking back to the dugout following a ground out in the fifth inning of Boston’s 6-0 defeat. Duran responded to the alleged comment by making an obscene gesture toward the fan.

Dustin Morse, the Twins’ senior vice president of communications and public affairs, confirmed the team’s investigation Wednesday. “We were made aware of the situation late last night and are looking into it,” Morse stated. “There’s no place in our game for conduct like that.”

Major League Baseball has also confirmed they are conducting their own review, following standard protocol to examine both the player’s actions and the fan’s behavior before deciding on any potential disciplinary measures.

Following the game, Duran spoke about the incident with reporters. “Somebody just told me to kill myself. I’m used to it at this point, you know?” he explained. The outfielder acknowledged his reaction was inappropriate, saying he “shouldn’t react like that, but that kind of stuff is still kind of triggering.”

Duran has been open about his mental health challenges, including severe depression and a suicide attempt, which he discussed in a Netflix documentary series released last year.

The player expressed regret about sharing his mental health journey publicly. “Honestly, it’s my fault for talking about my mental health because I kind of brought in the haters. So I’ve just got to get used to it,” Duran said. “I was just trying to hold it in and not really bring that up to the team. I mean, we’re trying to win a game. I shouldn’t even bring that up to anybody. … It just happens.”

Red Sox manager Alex Cora didn’t witness the incident or review footage immediately after the game, but addressed the situation before Wednesday’s series finale.

“I know the Twins are all over the case and trying to find out who he was, and hopefully they find the person,” Cora told reporters. He added that if the fan is identified, “it’s probably the last big-league game that that person is going to attend.”

Cora expressed full support for his player. “We have Jarren’s back. Like I said last year, for him to open up, he saved lives,” the manager stated. “And it’s not easy. It’s not easy because, like he said, we’re in the business of winning games, and he doesn’t want to be a distraction. And he’s not a distraction. He’s not. He’s just a player that plays for the Red Sox and has our full support.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available by calling or texting 988 for the national suicide and crisis lifeline. Online chat support is also available at 988lifeline.org.

The Indiana Fever announced Wednesday they have signed veteran guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough to strengthen their backcourt depth.

Financial details of Walker-Kimbrough’s contract were not disclosed by the franchise.

“Shatori is a versatile guard who adds depth to our backcourt rotation,” said Fever chief operating officer and general manager Amber Cox. “She’s a proven veteran in our league who brings a championship mindset and experience, both on and off the court.”

The 30-year-old Walker-Kimbrough posted 1.7 points per game across 41 appearances (including one start) during last season with the Atlanta Dream.

“I’m looking forward to joining an amazing organization like the Fever. I’m excited to play alongside some of the most talented players in the league,” Walker-Kimbrough stated. “The success of the team last year not only speaks to the players but also Coach White and her staff, so I’m blessed to be a part of it.”

Washington selected Walker-Kimbrough as the sixth overall choice in the 2017 WNBA Draft. She was part of the Mystics’ championship squad in 2019. Throughout her professional career spanning 274 games (54 as a starter), she has posted averages of 5.6 points and 1.5 rebounds while playing for Washington, Phoenix Mercury, Connecticut Sun and Atlanta.

When NFL teams call Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan asking what it would take to trade for running back De’Von Achane, they’re getting a firm rejection.

Sullivan has made it clear that Achane is “not available for trade” as the organization clarifies his status amid a major roster overhaul under new head coach Jeff Hafley’s first season.

The team has already parted ways with several key players, cutting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill while dealing outside linebacker Bradley Chubb and receiver Jaylen Waddle in trades.

Interest from other franchises naturally increased when these moves began and word spread that Achane was skipping voluntary offseason training sessions.

“Things are going good. We’ve have some positive conversations over the last couple days. Trending in the right direction,” Sullivan explained. “He’s obviously very important to what we’re doing. It’s all part of it. It’s part of professional sports. We’ll get where we need to be one way or another, but yeah, things are trending in the right direction.”

The Dolphins intend to construct their offensive game plan around Achane alongside newly signed free agent quarterback Malik Willis, who is expected to take over the starting role following Tagovailoa’s departure.

The 24-year-old Achane is playing out his final season under his initial rookie deal after Miami selected him in the third round of the 2023 draft from Texas A&M. Last season, he compiled 1,350 rushing yards with eight touchdowns while posting the league’s best average of 5.7 yards per carry. He also contributed 67 receptions for 488 yards and four scores through the air.

North Carolina freshman basketball sensation Caleb Wilson has officially announced his intention to enter the NBA draft, ending his college career after just one injury-plagued season.

Wilson’s collegiate journey concluded unexpectedly on February 10th, marking his last appearance in a Tar Heels uniform. The towering forward has emerged as a projected top-five selection in the upcoming draft.

In a video announcement, Wilson expressed his appreciation for his time at the university. “I am grateful for the opportunity I had to represent North Carolina,” Wilson said in a video. “Wearing No. 8, running out of that historic tunnel every day for practice and games, and I’m happy to say every day I gave it my all.”

Despite playing in only 24 contests, the 6-foot-10 Wilson earned second-team All-American honors while posting impressive statistics of 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. However, injuries derailed the final portion of his season, forcing him to miss the team’s last nine games.

Wilson’s injury troubles began when he suffered a fractured left hand during the February 10th matchup against Miami. Just as he neared a return to action, the freshman sustained another setback on March 5th, breaking his right thumb during a practice dunking session, which required surgical intervention.

Reflecting on his college experience, Wilson acknowledged both the challenges and rewards of his freshman campaign. “This past year has been the most fun year of my life, although it has been filled with a lot of growth and adversity,” Wilson said in his announcement. “I will always cherish this university and the people that make this place what it is.”

Wilson’s professional aspirations come amid significant changes within the North Carolina program, as the university recently dismissed head coach Hubert Davis and brought in former NBA coach Michael Malone as his replacement.

The Tar Heels’ season ended in disappointment with an 82-78 overtime loss to VCU during the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

Major League Baseball paid tribute to Jackie Robinson on Wednesday as the sport marked 79 years since the legendary infielder shattered baseball’s color barrier. Every player, coach and umpire across the league donned Robinson’s iconic number 42 in recognition of this milestone anniversary.

Robinson made his groundbreaking debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, launching a remarkable career that included Rookie of the Year recognition, six All-Star selections, and the 1949 National League MVP award. Throughout his career, he appeared in six World Series and captured his sole championship title in 1955 with the Dodgers.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets organized a special commemoration ceremony at Dodger Stadium, gathering around the centerfield statue dedicated to Robinson’s legacy.

“A special day, especially for me as a Latino. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t because of him,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “Talk about dealing with pressure at this level, imagine what he dealt with back in the day.”

Robinson’s two granddaughters participated in the ceremony at Dodger Stadium, located near Pasadena, which Robinson considered his adopted home. Before his baseball fame, the Georgia-born athlete excelled in four sports at Pasadena Junior College and later attended UCLA, where he gained more recognition for football than baseball.

The ceremony also featured scholarship recipients from the Jackie Robinson Foundation, continuing his legacy of educational advancement.

In encouraging news for diversity in the sport, Major League Baseball reported an increase in Black player representation for the first time in over twenty years. The league announced that 6.8% of players on opening day rosters, injured lists and restricted lists were Black, rising from 6.2% in 2025 and 6.0% in 2024.

Detroit Tigers management made a significant investment in their future Wednesday, finalizing a massive eight-year contract extension worth $150 million with rookie shortstop Kevin McGonigle, who is just 21 years old.

The substantial agreement kicks off with the 2027 season and extends through 2034, encompassing McGonigle’s remaining five years under team control plus his initial three seasons of potential free agency. Performance bonuses built into the contract’s final three years could push the total value up to $160 million.

Selected in the opening round of the 2023 draft, McGonigle stepped onto the major league stage this Opening Day and has delivered impressive results. Through his first 17 games, the young infielder is hitting .311 with a .909 OPS, recording eight extra-base hits and driving in eight runs. His inaugural major league home run came this past Sunday during Detroit’s 8-2 victory over Miami.

The financial structure includes guaranteed annual salaries starting at $1 million in 2027, jumping to $7 million in 2028, then $16 million in 2029, $21 million in 2030, $22 million in 2031, and $23 million for each of the final three seasons through 2034. McGonigle will also receive a $14 million signing bonus.

The left-handed batter entered this season as the second-ranked prospect in all of baseball according to both Baseball America and MLB Pipeline rankings.

During his three-year minor league career spanning 2023 through 2025, McGonigle compiled a .308 batting average across 183 games, launching 25 home runs, collecting 130 RBIs, and stealing 40 bases.

DETROIT — Detroit Tigers management announced Wednesday that they have reached agreement on a massive eight-year contract extension worth $150 million with first-year infielder Kevin McGonigle.

The agreement takes effect in the 2027 season and runs until 2034, spanning McGonigle’s remaining five years under team control plus three additional seasons when he would otherwise become a free agent. While $150 million is guaranteed, performance escalators built into the final three years could push the total value to $160 million.

McGonigle’s guaranteed annual earnings will be $1 million in 2027, $7 million in 2028, $16 million in 2029, $21 million in 2030, $22 million in 2031, and $23 million for each of the 2032, 2033, and 2034 campaigns.

Should the performance escalators activate, his maximum annual salary could reach $25 million in 2032, $26 million in 2033, and $28 million in 2034.

Additional contract provisions include a $14 million signing bonus and $5 million trade bonuses should McGonigle be dealt to another major league club.

The 21-year-old made an impressive major league debut with four hits in Detroit’s 8-2 victory over San Diego on March 26. Currently batting .311 with one home run and maintaining a .417 on-base percentage, McGonigle has reached base safely in 13 straight starts and 15 of his 16 total games. Among major leaguers with at least 11 walks this season, only nine other players have drawn more walks (11) than strikeouts (eight).

McGonigle’s exceptional early performance validates his preseason recognition as one of baseball’s premier prospects. He has seen action at both third base and shortstop for Detroit.

Detroit selected McGonigle with the 37th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 draft from Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast High School in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.

PHILADELPHIA – Fans entering the arena Tuesday night might have felt transported back in time as they collected their rally towels for the Philadelphia Flyers’ long-awaited playoff celebration.

A Grateful Dead tribute band called Splintered Sunlight performed classic 1970s hits while longtime supporters who witnessed the Flyers’ Stanley Cup championships danced in tie-dyed shirts. Along the concourse, Hockey Hall of Famer Joe Watson autographed his memoir while legendary Bobby Clarke smiled broadly as he filled his beverage at the press box refreshment area.

These were scenes reminiscent of the franchise’s golden era.

For years, the Flyers organization clung to those championship memories because there hadn’t been much recent success worth celebrating.

Now, finally, there’s reason for excitement — and genuine hope that even greater achievements lie ahead.

The team’s young core displayed their talent in full force during Tuesday’s 4-2 victory against Montreal, coming just one day after securing their first postseason spot since 2020 and their first home playoff series since 2018.

Nineteen-year-old rookie Porter Martone opened the scoring for Philadelphia, just weeks after competing for Michigan State and now poised to make an impact in the opening round matchup with Pittsburgh. Martone redirected a shot from the point by Matvei Michkov, the 21-year-old Russian forward who struggled early in the campaign but found his rhythm when the stakes were highest.

Michkov added Philadelphia’s third goal without assistance, his 20th of the season, while one supporter held up a sign reading “We Want More!”

General manager Danny Briere and team president Keith Jones, the masterminds behind this extensive reconstruction, can now enjoy recognition across social media, radio shows, and print coverage for sticking to their blueprint of developing talent through the draft and smart trades for young players rather than pursuing aging veterans for temporary fixes.

Consider the playoff-clinching moment against Carolina: Tyson Foerster, selected in the first round of 2020 and still only 24 years old, netted the shootout winner that sparked wild celebrations both on ice and in the stands.

How long has it been since the Flyers hosted a playoff series?

Their last home postseason games occurred in 2018 — before Gritty arrived.

The team’s wild-haired, googly-eyed mascot made his playoff debut Tuesday by smashing a cake into the face of an unsuspecting fan wearing Pittsburgh gear.

While Gritty provided entertainment with his dessert assault, goaltender Dan Vladar, winner of the Bobby Clarke Trophy as team MVP, revealed some inside information.

Throughout the season, Briere, who helped lead the Flyers to their most recent Stanley Cup Final in 2010, publicly tempered expectations about playoff chances.

However, his message to the team was more optimistic.

“He told us at the beginning of the year, I hope he’s not going to get mad at me, but he said the goal is to make the playoffs,” Vladar revealed. “There was always a belief in this room. Obviously, we knew that, even if it was the media or outsiders who didn’t really believe in us, we always had the belief here since Day 1.”

Team captain Sean Couturier represents both the old rebuilding era and the new success, having been the eighth overall selection in 2011. After making his debut that year, Couturier has remained a consistent presence — aside from injuries that sidelined him for the entire 2022-2023 campaign — and stands as the only current Flyer who played in their last home playoff series win against Pittsburgh in 2012.

“You want things to turn around,” Couturier explained. “I think that the management, the organization has done a great job of being patient and building assets and putting us in a great spot here for now and the future.”

The current success seemed unlikely before the Olympic break when Philadelphia lost 11 of 14 games leading up to the shutdown and dropped another upon returning to action.

Head coach Rick Tocchet’s defensive modifications during the break proved effective.

The Flyers ignited their season by sweeping a three-game California road trip against Anaheim, Los Angeles, and San Jose, then closed the regular season with an impressive 18-6-1 record that pushed them to 98 points and third place in the Metropolitan Division.

Perhaps the turning point came when a suburban Philadelphia family presented Pope Leo XIV with his own personalized Flyers jersey, truly blessing the organization.

Tuesday’s regular season finale felt more like a celebratory rally than a meaningful contest. Supporters swaying to the Dead cover band erupted in cheers when the vocalist paused during “Jack Straw” after singing “sun so hot, the clouds so low, the eagles filled the sky” — a nod to the NFL team located across the street.

The remainder of the evening belonged to the orange and black.

Gritty once warned the Penguins: “Sleep with one eye open tonight, bird.”

With one of the NHL’s youngest rosters, the Flyers enter the playoffs fully alert and determined to show their supporters that their worrying days are over.

The New York Mets’ offensive woes deepened Tuesday night as they suffered their seventh consecutive defeat, falling 2-1 to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles. The team’s batting performance has deteriorated significantly during this losing stretch, with opponents outscoring them 36-10 overall.

Currently sitting at the bottom of the NL East division with a 7-11 record, the Mets are struggling without their top offensive threat Juan Soto, who remains out with a calf injury for an expected two to three more weeks.

Francisco Lindor provided the lone offensive highlight, launching a leadoff home run off World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto that boosted his batting average 18 points to .194. The blast marked Lindor’s first RBI of the season and ended a 20-inning scoreless drought that nearly resulted in three straight shutouts for the first time since 1992.

However, Yamamoto dominated from that point forward, retiring the next 20 consecutive batters he faced. New York managed only three additional hits: Bo Bichette’s seventh-inning double and singles from Carson Benge and Lindor in the eighth frame.

In the decisive ninth inning, trailing by one run, the Mets became overly aggressive at the plate, allowing Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia to strike out three straight batters to seal the victory.

“We chase and it’s hard to score in situations like that,” manager Carlos Mendoza explained. “You really have to force those guys to come in the strike zone and right now we’re not doing that, especially at the end of the game.”

The statistics paint a grim picture of New York’s offensive struggles during this skid. The team is batting just .178 overall and a dismal .083 with runners in scoring position, going 2-for-24 in those crucial situations. They’re averaging merely 1.43 runs per contest with only eight extra-base hits.

“You’re down one run and you’re basically trying to hit one out of the ballpark and that’s when the chase comes,” Mendoza noted. “If you continue to swing at pitches out of the strike zone, they’re going to continue to do that, so we have to make adjustments.”

The Mets recorded 11 strikeouts in Tuesday’s loss, marking their fourth consecutive game reaching double digits in that category. Jorge Polanco, Brett Baty, and Mark Vientos each struck out twice.

“It’s easy to put too much pressure on yourself,” Mendoza observed. “You got to go back to your fundamentals, you got to go back to what got you to this level, understanding that you are a great hitter.”

The manager warned that without proper adjustments, the offensive problems could continue escalating.

“I know it’s tough right now, but the last thing you could do is just panic and try to do too much,” Mendoza said.

Despite the loss, rookie pitcher Nolan McLean delivered an outstanding performance for New York. The 24-year-old right-hander surrendered just one run on two hits across seven innings, striking out eight while walking two batters.

“He pretty much dominated one of the best lineups,” Mendoza praised. “It sucks losing when you get that type of outing.”

McLean has now allowed two or fewer earned runs in 11 of his first 12 major league appearances.

Even Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was impressed by the young pitcher’s performance.

“It was fun to watch McLean pitch,” Roberts commented. “Man, he’s special.”

Professional wrestling’s premier annual spectacle returns to Las Vegas this weekend, following last year’s event that injected more than $322 million into the local economy according to new research data.

TKO, the parent company behind WWE, announced Wednesday that studies by Applied Analysis revealed the 2024 two-day wrestling extravaganza generated an economic impact of $322.2 million. Wrestling enthusiasts journeyed from across the United States and international destinations, filling hotels and dining at restaurants while shopping at local establishments.

The wrestling organization schedules multiple events throughout the week surrounding its flagship show, including fan meet-and-greet sessions with performers, its prestigious Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and tapings for its weekly television programs ‘Smackdown’ and ‘Raw,’ encouraging visitors to extend their stays for several days.

Las Vegas is welcoming the wrestling showcase for a consecutive year as the city works to attract tourists amid changing visitor patterns. The entertainment destination experienced its lowest visitor numbers in four years during 2024, while Strip casino revenue increased by less than one percent, based on January statistics.

The 2024 wrestling event attracted 124,693 spectators over two evenings at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.

According to Applied Analysis data cited by TKO Group, 85.4% of those attending traveled to Las Vegas exclusively for the wrestling event. International visitors comprised 22% of attendees, while 90.2% came from outside the local area.

Jefferies analyst Randal Konik noted in a recent report that the wrestling event produced approximately $66 million in ticket revenue across both nights, citing Pollstar information. Tickets averaged around $635 each, nearly twice the cost of the previous year’s event.

‘WrestleMania 41’s performance highlights the strength and strategic importance of WWE as a core asset within TKO,’ Konik wrote.

ESPN will provide extensive coverage of this year’s wrestling spectacular. Featured matches include undisputed WWE champion Cody Rhodes defending his championship against Randy Orton, and CM Punk risking his World Heavyweight title against Roman Reigns.

The weekend event at Allegiant Stadium begins Saturday and Sunday, with ‘SportsCenter’ coverage starting Thursday and ‘First Take’ broadcasting from Las Vegas Friday.

For the first time, the event will stream on the ESPN app. Saturday’s opening hour will air on ESPN2, while Sunday’s first hour broadcasts on ESPN. Both nights begin at 6 p.m. Eastern time.

ESPN started carrying WWE premium events on its ESPN Unlimited streaming platform last September. Most major cable, satellite and streaming providers have agreements with Disney that include ESPN Unlimited access in their television packages.

This marks the first occasion that portions of the main event will broadcast on traditional television. The inaugural WrestleMania took place in 1985 at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The golf world is buzzing with rumors about LIV Golf’s future after reports surfaced that league leadership was called to an urgent meeting in New York City on Wednesday.

Sources are suggesting a major announcement could be coming, with some claiming the Saudi-funded golf league might be facing serious financial troubles.

Golf reporter Ryan French, who runs the Monday Q Info account on X with nearly 200,000 followers, shared what he’s been hearing from contacts within the industry.

“I have some pretty good sources and I’ve heard that some other people have sources that LIV is shutting down,” French stated.

Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee also weighed in, forecasting the demise of the tour that began operations in 2022 and attracted high-profile PGA Tour players like Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and Phil Mickelson with massive contracts.

“Given that the product was so ill-conceived and ended up being worse than anyone could have imagined,” Chamblee wrote on X. “With shotgun starts, initially 54 holes, a team concept that was nothing but laughable and tournaments that meant and continue to mean nothing, and such a paltry number of viewers, losing billions along the way — would it surprise anyone if the Saudis came to their corrupted senses and finally euthanized the whole lame-brained tour.”

However, other sources are pushing back against claims of financial difficulties within the organization.

The Flushing It Golf account on X offered a different perspective, stating: “I’ve spoken directly to multiple people within LIV Golf who all say they have had no issue with being paid. Future venues are proceeding as normal, with no indication that anything will change. And players are getting ready to tee it up in today’s pro am, fully expecting LIV Golf Mexico City to go ahead as planned.”

The Mexico City tournament is scheduled to start Thursday, with nine more events planned for the remainder of the 2026 season.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Following Charlotte’s thrilling 127-126 playoff victory over Miami on Tuesday night, Hornets guard LaMelo Ball’s excitement reached unusual heights when he struck team mascot Hugo twice in the head during postgame celebrations.

The dramatic finish saw Ball redeem himself after making two crucial errors in overtime by sinking a driving layup with just 4.7 seconds remaining. Charlotte secured the victory when Miles Bridges rejected Davion Mitchell’s final shot attempt as the buzzer sounded, triggering jubilant celebrations that marked the franchise’s first home playoff victory in ten years.

While Ball was spotted flexing at midcourt following his clutch basket, local station WBTV captured footage of the euphoric player throwing two punches at Hugo’s oversized head before wrapping teammate Coby White in an enthusiastic embrace.

The mascot simply moved away from the situation.

“We drew up a good play, I feel like. Just orchestrated it and it worked,” Ball commented.

Media members didn’t question Ball about the mascot incident during postgame interviews, as the footage hadn’t yet emerged during the chaotic aftermath of a contest where Ball also tripped Miami’s Bam Adebayo, causing a lower back injury that ended the star center’s night.

“The crowd was amazing,” Ball remarked about the capacity audience. “Everyone who came out today was real loud, so it was a good crowd.”

Charlotte forced overtime when White connected on a difficult corner three-pointer with 10.8 seconds left in regulation, while Miami’s Tyler Herro misfired on a potential game-winner.

The Hornets let a five-point overtime advantage slip away due to Ball’s pair of costly mistakes.

Following Herro’s corner three-pointer, Ball committed a turnover at midcourt before fouling Herro during another three-point attempt. Herro converted all three free throws for a 126-125 Miami advantage, creating the stage for Ball’s heroics on the subsequent inbound play.

“We just stayed together throughout it all, it was an up-and-down game. But that’s what the play-in is about,” Bridges explained. “We did a great job executing on offense, LaMelo did a great job getting a layup, and then we executed on defense on the other end.”

Ball remained the focal point throughout the evening.

He seemed to sweep Adebayo’s leg during the second quarter, sending the Miami big man crashing to the floor. Officials didn’t assess a foul, and Adebayo never returned after logging only 11 minutes.

Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra later stated Ball deserved ejection for the play.

Whether Ball faces league discipline for his involvement in the Adebayo situation remains uncertain.

Ball offered an apology postgame, explaining he felt disoriented after taking a blow to the head moments earlier while driving to the basket.

The ninth-seeded Hornets advance to Friday night’s matchup against whichever team loses Wednesday’s contest between Orlando and Philadelphia.

Los Angeles FC punched their ticket to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals Tuesday night after Denis Bouanga converted a crucial penalty kick deep into stoppage time, securing a 1-1 tie with Cruz Azul in Puebla, Mexico. The result gave LAFC a commanding 3-1 victory over the two-leg quarterfinal series.

LAFC entered the match with a substantial 3-0 advantage from their home victory the previous week, putting them in control of the series. Their semifinal opponent will be determined by the outcome of the Toluca versus Los Angeles Galaxy matchup.

The Mexican side created hope for a comeback when Gabriel Fernandez successfully converted a penalty kick in the 18th minute, but Cruz Azul couldn’t build on that momentum. Their chances took a significant hit when Gonzalo Piovi received a direct red card for a dangerous challenge on Bouanga just two minutes into second-half injury time.

The pivotal penalty opportunity for LAFC came five minutes after the red card when officials called a handball violation inside Cruz Azul’s penalty area, allowing Bouanga to level the score.

LAFC’s celebration was tempered by the fact that Bouanga’s first-half yellow card will force him to miss the opening leg of their semifinal series. The forward has been instrumental in their tournament run, netting five goals across Los Angeles’ six CONCACAF Champions Cup contests.

In the evening’s second quarterfinal conclusion, Nashville SC delivered a shocking performance against Club America in Mexico City. Hany Mukhtar’s 51st-minute strike proved to be the difference-maker as Nashville claimed a 1-0 victory, advancing with a 1-0 aggregate triumph after last week’s scoreless draw in Tennessee.

The decisive sequence began with Andy Najar launching a long ball down the right flank for Nashville. Cristian Espinoza’s cross found its way between two Club America defenders, setting up Mukhtar for a right-footed finish from 10 yards that beat goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota.

Nashville, known as the Boys in Gold, will face either Tigres UANL or the Seattle Sounders in the semifinals. This marks the club’s first semifinal appearance in continental competition, having participated in the tournament for only the second time.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball emerged as the game’s hero in Tuesday night’s playoff victory against Miami, but Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra believes Ball should have been thrown out of the contest during the first half for a dangerous play.

During the early minutes of the second quarter, Ball caused Heat All-Star Bam Adebayo to trip by grabbing his left ankle, sending Adebayo crashing hard to the court beneath the basket. The fall resulted in a back injury that forced Adebayo to miss the rest of Charlotte’s thrilling 127-126 overtime win at home.

As Adebayo remained on the ground near the baseline, the game continued with both teams scoring baskets. Officials finally halted play with Charlotte leading 30-26 and 10:58 remaining in the quarter. Adebayo managed to get up and walked gingerly to the locker room for medical assessment.

Following the game, Spoelstra expressed his frustration with the incident. “I didn’t see it (when it happened), but I don’t think it’s cute. I don’t think it’s funny. I think it’s a stupid play. It’s a dangerous play. Obviously, our best player was out,” Spoelstra stated.

“I’m not making an excuse. The Hornets played great and they made those plays down the stretch. We had our opportunities to win. That’s a shame. You should be penalized for that. I don’t think that belongs in the game — tripping guys, shenanigans,” he continued.

Official Zach Zarba explained to reporters after the game that the incident couldn’t be reviewed since play had resumed following the occurrence.

Ball offered an apology for his actions, saying, “I apologize on that one. I got hit in the head (on the preceding action) and didn’t really know where I was. But I’m going to check on him, see if he’s OK and everything.”

Despite the controversy, Ball finished with 30 points and delivered the decisive basket with just 4.7 seconds remaining in overtime to secure the victory.

Before his injury, Adebayo had contributed six points and three rebounds. The veteran center, now in his ninth season, posted impressive regular season averages of 20.1 points and 10.0 rebounds per game, with his rebounding numbers ranking eighth league-wide.

Toronto completed a dramatic comeback against Milwaukee on Tuesday evening, securing a 9-7 extra-inning victory that pushed the Brewers’ losing streak to six straight games. Myles Straw delivered the decisive blow with a two-run double that highlighted a three-run 10th inning for the visiting Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays had rallied with three runs in the ninth inning to take a 6-4 advantage, only to watch Milwaukee answer with two runs in the bottom half to force extra innings.

In the 10th, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. started the winning rally with a one-out double off Grant Anderson (0-1), bringing home automatic runner Ernie Clement from second base for a 7-6 Toronto lead. After Jesse Sanchez received an intentional walk, Straw connected on a line drive to left field that scored both runners.

Louis Varland (1-1) earned the victory despite surrendering a run in the 10th on William Contreras’ RBI single. Varland had entered with two outs in the ninth and struck out Joey Ortiz with the bases loaded, then closed out the game by striking out Gary Sanchez with runners on first and second.

Reds 2, Giants 1

Cincinnati held off San Francisco despite being outhit 7-3, as Brady Singer delivered six solid innings and early home runs from Spencer Steer and Sal Stewart provided the offense for the host Reds.

Singer (1-1) surrendered only a fifth-inning solo homer to Willy Adames along with five other hits across his six-inning outing. The bullpen trio of Graham Ashcraft, Tony Santillan and Emilio Pagan each contributed a scoreless frame, with Pagan securing his fifth save on just seven pitches in the ninth.

Giants starter Robbie Ray (2-2) was undone by the two home runs, which were the only hits he allowed during his five-inning stint that required 94 pitches. Ray issued four walks while striking out six batters.

Diamondbacks 4, Orioles 3

Arizona received a three-run homer from Ildemaro Vargas and a strong season debut from Merrill Kelly to defeat Baltimore on the road.

Kelly, the veteran right-hander who had been sidelined with a back injury since spring training, worked 5 1/3 innings to earn the win while allowing two runs on five hits. Geraldo Perdomo collected three hits for the Diamondbacks, while Jose Fernandez and James McCann each contributed two hits.

Baltimore got a home run from Samuel Basallo, who joined Jeremiah Jackson with two hits in the losing effort. Leody Taveras drove in runs during both the third and eighth innings for the Orioles.

Tigers 2, Royals 1

Detroit extended its winning streak to four games as Dillon Dingler delivered the go-ahead RBI double with two outs in the eighth inning to edge Kansas City at home.

Both Detroit runs came in the eighth frame, with Zach McKinstry scoring on a wild pitch before Kevin McGonigle crossed the plate on Dingler’s second hit of the evening. The contest featured outstanding starting pitching, as Kansas City’s Cole Ragans held the Tigers to just one hit and no runs over six innings, while Framber Valdez limited the Royals to one run and three hits in seven frames.

Will Vest (1-2) struck out all three batters he faced in relief to earn the victory. Kenley Jansen recorded his third save of the season and 479th of his career, stranding a runner at third base while passing Lee Smith for third place on the all-time saves list.

Cubs 10, Phillies 4

Chicago erupted for 15 hits in a convincing road victory over Philadelphia, with Carson Kelly’s three-run homer leading the way alongside three RBIs each from Nico Hoerner and Alex Bregman.

Michael Busch contributed two hits and two walks for the Cubs. Colin Rea (2-0) allowed three runs on four hits with five strikeouts across six innings, with his only mistake being a three-run homer surrendered to Edmundo Sosa in the second inning.

Philadelphia reliever Tim Mayza (0-1) struggled in his brief appearance, giving up four runs (three earned) in just one-third of an inning.

Nationals 5, Pirates 4

Washington received a 3-for-4 performance from CJ Abrams, who homered and drove in two runs, to defeat Pittsburgh on the road and even their four-game series.

Brady House added two hits and an RBI for the Nationals, who have now won four of their last five contests. Luis Garcia Jr. and Daylen Lile each contributed RBI singles, while Mitchell Parker (1-0) struck out five over two scoreless relief innings and Gus Varland notched his second save.

Pirates starter Mitch Keller (1-1) saw his excellent early-season form falter, as he was tagged for five runs on six hits in four innings. Brandon Lowe and Joey Bart each connected for solo homers, while Marcell Ozuna and Nick Gonzales added RBIs for Pittsburgh.

Braves 6, Marlins 5

Atlanta rallied for a dramatic victory over visiting Miami thanks to Dominic Smith’s three-run opposite-field double with two outs in the eighth inning.

The comeback came against Pete Fairbanks (0-1), who allowed a leadoff single to Drake Baldwin. After two outs, Mike Yastrzemski singled and Ozzie Albies was hit by a pitch before Smith lined a 2-1 cutter off the left-center field fence. Raisel Iglesias worked the ninth with two strikeouts to earn his third save, while Robert Suarez (2-0) got the win despite allowing a run in the eighth.

Miami had taken an early 4-0 lead with one run in the first on Agustin Ramirez’s sacrifice fly and three more in the second. Connor Norby, Graham Pauley and Jakob Marsee each drove in runs during that second-inning rally.

Angels 7, Yankees 1

Los Angeles opened with consecutive home runs from Mike Trout, Jo Adell and Jorge Soler in the first inning to power past New York at Yankee Stadium.

The Angels have now won six of their last nine games in the Bronx and lead the American League with 26 home runs. Former Yankee Oswald Peraza collected three hits and homered off Weathers in the fourth. Reid Detmers (1-1) allowed four hits and one run over seven-plus innings for the victory.

Ryan Weathers (0-2) was charged with five runs on five hits and two walks in five-plus innings. He surrendered a career-high four homers while recording 10 strikeouts for his third career double-digit strikeout performance. The Yankees have now lost six of their last seven games.

Padres 4, Mariners 1

San Diego rode Xander Bogaerts’ 3-for-4, three-RBI performance and six strong innings from Michael King to defeat visiting Seattle and extend their winning streak to six games.

King (2-1) allowed four hits and one run while walking two and striking out five. San Diego’s high-leverage relief corps handled the final three innings, with Mason Miller working the ninth for his fifth save in five opportunities.

Seattle’s Bryan Woo (0-2) took the loss despite a quality start, permitting eight hits and three runs over seven innings with one walk and three strikeouts. The defeat snapped the Mariners’ four-game winning streak.

Rays 8, White Sox 5

Tampa Bay got two hits and three RBIs from Ben Williamson and a milestone victory from Shane McClanahan, who earned his first win in nearly three years in the road victory over Chicago.

McClanahan (1-0) allowed three runs (two earned) and two hits across five innings in his return from Tommy John surgery and nerve issues that sidelined him for the past two seasons. His first victory since June 16, 2023, sparked the Rays’ offensive effort.

Chicago’s Munetaka Murakami connected for a two-run homer in the ninth to provide the final margin. White Sox starter Noah Schultz (0-1) struggled in his major league debut, yielding four runs (three earned) and three hits in 4 1/3 innings. Everson Pereira hit a three-run shot in his return from injury.

Twins 6, Red Sox 0

Minnesota extended its home winning streak to six games behind Byron Buxton’s four-hit performance, including two solo homers, and seven shutout innings from Mick Abel in the victory over Boston.

Abel (1-2) held Boston to four hits while striking out 10 and walking none. Taylor Rogers and Cole Sands each contributed one scoreless inning of relief. Buxton, who now has three homers in his last two games, scored four times. Brooks Lee also homered for Minnesota, while Trevor Larnach drove in two and Luke Keaschall had two hits and an RBI.

Roman Anthony and Masataka Yoshida each collected two hits for Boston, which managed just six hits total. The Red Sox have now lost 11 of their first 17 games. Boston starter Sonny Gray (2-1) was tagged for five runs on nine hits in four innings.

Cardinals 6, Guardians 5 (10 innings)

St. Louis completed a comeback victory over Cleveland when Nathan Church brought home Thomas Saggese with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th inning at home.

Cardinals rookie JJ Wetherholt powered the offense with two home runs and three RBIs to set up Wednesday’s rubber game. Riley O’Brien (2-0) earned the win after tossing a scoreless 10th inning.

Cleveland received solo homers from Jose Ramirez and Daniel Schneemann, plus a two-run double from Angel Martinez. Tim Herrin (0-1) was charged with the loss.

Astros 7, Rockies 6

Houston broke an eight-game losing streak by overcoming visiting Colorado, with Christian Walker recording three hits and two RBIs while the Astros scored six runs in the third inning.

Houston capitalized on two fielding errors by Rockies second baseman Willi Castro to chase right-hander Michael Lorenzen (1-2) in the third. Yordan Alvarez delivered a game-tying two-run double down the right field line, Walker added an RBI fielder’s choice, and Cam Smith and Vazquez contributed RBI singles for a 7-3 Houston lead.

Hunter Goodman recorded his sixth career multi-homer game for Colorado, with his second blast in the fifth cutting the deficit to 7-5. Jake McCarthy had delivered a two-run triple to center field in the second inning, extending Colorado’s early 3-0 lead after Goodman’s first-inning homer. Jordan Beck added a solo shot in the fourth.

Athletics 2, Rangers 1

Oakland received a two-run single from Jacob Wilson, 6 1/3 strong innings from Jeffrey Springs and a spectacular home run robbery from Denzel Clarke to defeat Texas in West Sacramento.

Springs (3-0) allowed one run and three hits to help the Athletics win their sixth game in the past seven contests. Mark Leiter Jr. struck out two in a perfect ninth inning for his second save.

Jake Burger provided Texas with an RBI single, but the Rangers saw their recent hot streak end after winning five of seven. Texas starter MacKenzie Gore (2-1) gave up two runs and three hits over 4 2/3 innings while walking a career-high-tying six batters and striking out five.

Los Angeles pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto overcame an early home run to dominate New York’s lineup, helping the Dodgers secure a narrow 2-1 victory over the struggling Mets on Tuesday night.

After surrendering a leadoff homer, Yamamoto found his rhythm and set down 20 consecutive New York batters in what became a classic pitching matchup. Kyle Tucker provided the decisive blow with a clutch RBI single in the eighth inning that broke a 1-1 deadlock.

The victory extended Los Angeles’ hot streak to nine wins in their last 11 contests and marked their fifth series triumph in six attempts this season. Meanwhile, New York’s struggles continued as their losing streak reached seven games.

Yamamoto’s final line showed one earned run allowed on four hits across 7 2/3 innings, recording seven strikeouts and issuing just one walk. Blake Treinen (1-0) earned the win after striking out Luis Robert Jr. in a crucial eighth-inning situation with two runners in scoring position. Alex Vesia closed out the game by striking out three straight batters for his second save.

New York starter Nolan McLean matched Yamamoto’s excellence, surrendering only one run on two hits over seven complete innings while walking two and fanning eight Dodgers hitters.

Francisco Lindor got the Mets on the board immediately, launching Yamamoto’s third pitch of the game over the right field wall for his first home run and RBI of the season. The blast also ended New York’s 20-inning scoreless drought.

Los Angeles answered quickly in the bottom half of the first frame. Tucker drew a one-out walk, advanced to third on Will Smith’s double to left field, and scored when Freddie Freeman grounded out to first base.

Following Lindor’s early blast, Yamamoto completely shut down the Mets offense until the seventh inning, when Bo Bichette broke the streak with a two-out double. Francisco Alvarez followed with a walk, putting two runners on base, but Yamamoto escaped trouble by striking out Brett Baty.

McLean was equally effective after Smith’s first-inning double, retiring 13 straight Dodgers batters without allowing another hit until Max Muncy’s seventh-inning single.

The deciding rally came in the eighth when pinch hitter Miguel Rojas drew a leadoff walk against left-handed reliever Brooks Raley (0-1). Santiago Espinal advanced the runner with a sacrifice bunt before Shohei Ohtani received an intentional walk. Tucker then delivered the game-winning hit, blooping an RBI single down the left field line.

Ohtani’s walk extended his remarkable on-base streak to 48 consecutive games, placing him alone in second place in franchise history since the team moved to Los Angeles.

In a thrilling play-in tournament matchup Tuesday night, Deni Avdija delivered a spectacular 41-point performance that propelled the Portland Trail Blazers to a dramatic 114-110 victory over the Phoenix Suns, overcoming an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit.

The decisive moment came when Avdija converted a crucial three-point play with just 16.1 seconds on the clock, helping Portland snap a four-year postseason absence. The Trail Blazers will now face the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs in their opening playoff series this Sunday.

Phoenix still has an opportunity to reach the postseason, as they’ll host Friday’s winner between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers, who meet Wednesday. Friday’s victor will earn the eighth seed and challenge the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the opening round.

The game’s final moments were filled with drama. Jordan Goodwin gave Phoenix a 110-109 advantage with a layup at the 32.5-second mark, though he failed to convert the subsequent free throw attempt. Portland capitalized on the miss and used a timeout to orchestrate Avdija’s game-changing drive to the basket.

Phoenix’s Jalen Green attempted a three-pointer with 8.9 seconds remaining but came up short. Matisse Thybulle secured the rebound for Portland, stole the ball from Goodwin, and found Jerami Grant open for an emphatic dunk with just six-tenths of a second left to seal the victory.

Avdija dominated the final period with 14 points while also contributing 12 assists and seven rebounds for the contest. His teammates provided valuable support, with Jrue Holiday contributing 21 points and Grant adding 16, including two critical three-pointers during Portland’s decisive 17-5 closing surge.

For the Suns, Green led all scorers with 35 points, while Devin Booker contributed 22 and Dillon Brooks chipped in 20 points in the losing effort.

Phoenix appeared to control the game’s momentum entering the final quarter, trailing by just one point at 83-82 before opening the fourth with an 11-0 run for a commanding 10-point advantage. This surge was part of a larger 24-4 run that began after Avdija had given Portland a 79-69 lead during the third quarter.

The Trail Blazers began their comeback when Holiday and Avdija connected on three-pointers, cutting Phoenix’s lead to 100-97 with 4:15 remaining. The momentum shifted further when Donovan Clingan was assessed a flagrant-1 foul for pulling down Brooks during Avdija’s successful shot attempt.

Grant’s three-pointer and two free throws from Shaedon Sharpe brought Portland within one point at 105-104 with 2:29 left on the clock. Grant’s subsequent three-pointer gave the Blazers their first lead of the quarter at 107-106, though Booker answered with free throws to put Phoenix back ahead 108-107 with 1:34 remaining.

Following a Portland turnover and a missed shot by Booker, Avdija drove to the basket for a 109-108 lead with 37.3 seconds left, setting the stage for the game’s thrilling conclusion.

MINNEAPOLIS — Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran made an obscene gesture toward a spectator at Target Field during Tuesday night’s 6-0 defeat to the Minnesota Twins, responding to what he described as a deeply personal attack from the stands.

The incident occurred as Duran walked back to the dugout following a groundout in the fifth inning. The player, who has previously been open about his mental health challenges, explained that a fan had crossed a serious line with their comment.

“Somebody just told me to kill myself,” Duran explained after the game. “I’m used to it at this point, you know? I mean, (expletive) happens. I mean, I’m gonna flip somebody off if they say something to me, but it is what it is. I shouldn’t react like that, but that kind of stuff is still kind of triggering.”

The outfielder previously shared details about his battles with severe depression and a suicide attempt in a Netflix documentary series that premiered last year.

“Honestly, it’s my fault for talking about my mental health because I kind of brought in the haters. So I’ve just got to get used to it,” Duran continued. “I was just trying to hold it in and not really bring that up to the team. I mean, we’re trying to win a game. I shouldn’t even bring that up to anybody. … It just happens.”

Red Sox manager Alex Cora stated he did not see the incident occur and had not yet watched any video footage of what transpired.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Miami Heat star center Bam Adebayo was forced to exit Tuesday evening’s crucial playoff matchup against the Charlotte Hornets after suffering an injury from what appeared to be an intentional trip by Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball.

The incident occurred during the early minutes of the second quarter when Ball, who was lying on the floor, seemed to deliberately swipe at Adebayo’s left ankle with his hand, sending the Heat center tumbling backward onto the court.

Adebayo remained on the ground as play continued around him before officials finally halted the action. Team medical staff rushed to assist the injured player, who eventually managed to stand and exit the court without assistance before heading to Miami’s locker room.

The Heat organization listed Adebayo’s status as questionable for the remainder of the contest, though he did not return for the start of the third quarter.

Remarkably, no foul was assessed to Ball for the play, and officials were unable to conduct a video review since the game had not been stopped at the time of the incident.

The injury comes at a particularly unfortunate time for Adebayo, who recently had an outstanding performance with 83 points in a game just last month. Despite losing their key center, Miami managed to maintain a narrow 52-50 advantage at the intermission.

One of the most sought-after guards in the college basketball transfer portal, Acaden Lewis, revealed Tuesday that he will be leaving Villanova University to join the University of Miami basketball program.

Lewis had originally backed out of his commitment to Kentucky last spring, with Miami pursuing him before he ultimately selected Villanova. During his freshman campaign with the Wildcats, the talented guard posted impressive numbers with 12.2 points per game, 5.3 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.9 steals. His standout performance came in the final regular season matchup against Xavier, where he recorded 14 points and 12 assists in a victory. The left-handed point guard earned recognition as a second-team All-Big East selection and was also named to the conference’s all-freshman squad.

When Lewis entered the transfer portal last week, he simultaneously declared his eligibility for the NBA draft as well.

Miami completed their inaugural season under head coach Jai Lucas with a 26-9 record, advancing to the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 32 before falling to Purdue.

Student-athletes have until April 21 to enter the transfer portal, though they are not required to select their new institution by that deadline.

In other transfer news, KJ Lewis is making another move westward after spending one year at Georgetown, announcing his decision to join Southern California. Following two seasons primarily as a reserve player at Arizona, Lewis became a key contributor for the Hoyas, recording 14.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 steals per game across 28 contests (27 as a starter). Throughout his 101-game collegiate career, he maintains averages of 10.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.

Memphis has secured its first two additions of this transfer period, with former Pittsburgh guard Brandin Cummings announcing his commitment to the Tigers. Multiple sources also report that Washington State sharpshooter Rihards Vavers will be joining coach Penny Hardaway’s squad. Cummings departs Pittsburgh after two seasons, having averaged 12.5 points and 2.1 assists per game before an ankle injury limited his sophomore campaign to just 19 games. Vavers, who hails from Latvia, contributed 11.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game while connecting on 41.2% of his three-point attempts last season. Across his three-year career spanning Quinnipiac and Washington State, Vavers has knocked down 132 three-pointers at a 41.0% success rate.

West Virginia made two significant additions this week, bringing in former Georgia Tech center Mouhamed Sylla on Tuesday, following Monday’s signing of ex-Butler guard Finley Bizjack. The 6-foot-10 Sylla, who represents Senegal, contributed 9.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks across 16 games (15 starts) during his rookie season. Bizjack finished as the Big East’s third-highest scorer with 17.1 points per game, earning All-Big East third-team honors after shooting 42.6% from the field and 34.9% from beyond the arc, while also contributing 2.5 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game. Over his three-year Butler career, he averaged 10.4 points and 2.1 rebounds in 98 appearances (61 starts).

Forward Jamier Jones has chosen to continue his career at Missouri following an impressive freshman campaign at Providence. Jones delivered 11.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 31 games (19 starts), while shooting an efficient 57% from the field and 38.7% from three-point territory.

According to ESPN reports, Indiana has expanded its recruiting haul by securing a commitment from SMU center Samet Yigitoglu. The 7-foot-2 Turkish native spent two seasons at SMU, accumulating 10.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks over 66 career games (all starts), including 10.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks this past season. At Indiana, he will team up with guards Markus Burton (Notre Dame), Darren Harris (Duke), and Jaeden Mustaf (Georgia Tech), who committed to the Hoosiers on Monday.

Houston has added high-scoring guard Corey Hadnot II from Purdue Fort Wayne. Hadnot earned first-team All-Horizon League recognition after leading the conference with 20.4 points per game. He also contributed 4.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.8 steals across 32 games (all starts) in his third collegiate season, all spent with the Mastodons.

Furman forward Cooper Bowser, who emerged as a breakout star, has committed to Arkansas. The 6-foot-11 Bowser enjoyed his best season in his third year at Furman, posting 13.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 76.6% from the field. During Furman’s first-round NCAA Tournament defeat to eventual runner-up UConn, Bowser recorded nine points, five rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.

Guard Wes Enis will be transferring to Creighton after an outstanding freshman season at South Florida. Enis averaged 16.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 35.2% from three-point range across 32 games (29 starts). He recorded 13 games with at least 20 points and reached the 30-point mark twice, making 10 three-pointers in both of those performances.

San Diego Padres starter Nick Pivetta has been placed on the 15-day injured list after developing inflammation in his right elbow, the team confirmed Tuesday.

The 33-year-old right-hander was performing well against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, striking out four batters and retiring the first nine hitters he faced through three complete innings. However, his outing ended abruptly when he was pulled after delivering a pitch to Edouard Julien at the start of the fourth inning.

The injury designation takes effect retroactively from Monday. To fill the roster spot, San Diego has brought up right-handed reliever Alek Jacob from their Triple-A affiliate in El Paso.

Jacob, age 27, has appeared in 39 games for the Padres across the past three seasons, including a personal-best 29 outings in 2025. His statistics show a 1-0 win-loss record alongside a 5.13 ERA and 1.50 WHIP.

Last season marked a breakthrough year for Pivetta, who achieved personal records across numerous statistical categories during his 31 starts. His accomplishments included 13 victories, a 2.87 ERA, 5.2 WAR, 0.99 WHIP, 181 2/3 innings pitched, and 190 strikeouts.

Through four starts in the current 2026 campaign, Pivetta holds a 1-2 record with a 4.50 ERA. While he struggled in the season opener against Detroit, surrendering six earned runs across three innings, his performance improved significantly in subsequent April outings. Over his last three starts spanning 13 innings, he allowed just two earned runs for a 1.38 ERA while recording 20 strikeouts against only three walks.

The veteran pitcher brings a decade of major league experience with a career record of 70-78 and 4.47 ERA. His professional journey included stints with the Philadelphia Phillies from 2017-20 and the Boston Red Sox from 2020-24 before joining San Diego on a four-year, $55 million contract prior to the 2025 season.

BALTIMORE — Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz displayed remarkable dedication Tuesday, showing up to work just one day after suffering multiple facial fractures and a broken jaw from a foul ball that struck him in the dugout.

The first-year skipper sported a large bruise covering the right side of his face as he explained the extent of his injuries to reporters.

“I can’t blow my nose for six weeks, because one of the fractures is kind of like where my orbital bone is,” he said. “If I blow my nose it’s going to go up into my eye.”

Albernaz revealed he sustained more than six fractures in his cheek region along with the broken jaw. However, he expressed gratitude that doctors determined surgery wasn’t necessary and his jaw wouldn’t need to be wired shut. The manager even joked about potentially wearing a Ravens helmet while coaching from the dugout.

The frightening incident occurred during Monday evening’s contest when Jeremiah Jackson’s foul ball found Albernaz in the section of the dugout nearest to the on-deck circle during the fifth inning. Though he managed to return to the dugout one inning later as Jackson connected for a grand slam, medical staff eventually transported him to the hospital where he remained until approximately midnight.

“I was trying to get back out there after my concussion protocol was fine, but they wanted me to get a CT scan,” Albernaz explained. “I was trying to get it after the game, but obviously the medical team has better judgment than I do.”

While Albernaz resumed his dugout duties Tuesday, the recovery timeline extends well beyond this week.

“Six weeks of soft foods,” Albernaz noted. “Can’t do anything strenuous.”

When asked whether this restriction included heated discussions with umpires, the manager offered a candid response.

“Medically speaking, yeah I probably shouldn’t,” he said. “I think everything gets thrown out the window when that first pitch happens.”

In related team news, the Orioles announced Tuesday that infielder Jackson Holliday was pulled from his rehabilitation assignment Monday due to minor right wrist discomfort. Team officials indicated this type of soreness commonly occurs following hamate surgery, and Holliday will be sidelined for several days as a precaution.

Albernaz has consistently avoided setting specific return dates for injured players, preferring not to create additional pressure on their recovery process.

“I said I don’t believe in timelines, and this is a perfect example of that. It all depends on the player,” he said. “It’s great to see Jackson being communicative and open at every turn.”

A Michigan judge sentenced former University of Michigan football head coach Sherrone Moore to 18 months of supervised probation Tuesday, allowing him to avoid prison time following his plea agreement on trespassing and telecommunications charges.

Moore received a fine exceeding $1,000 and must comply with a no-contact order regarding staff member Paige Shiver, with whom he had conducted an extramarital affair. The court also prohibited him from consuming drugs or alcohol throughout his probation period.

The 40-year-old former coach entered a no contest plea last month to reduced misdemeanor charges of malicious telecommunications use and trespassing. Prosecutors in Michigan’s Washtenaw County dropped more serious allegations in the plea agreement, including a third-degree felony home invasion charge.

District Court Judge J. Cedric Simpson explained his reasoning for the sentence, stating: “I don’t believe, when I look at the entirety of this situation, that incarceration should be appropriate. I warn you Mr. Moore, should there be a violation, all bets are off. I don’t like sending people to jail, but I don’t have a problem doing it.”

The judge credited Moore’s clean criminal record in his decision to avoid imprisonment. Simpson also acknowledged the support shown by Moore’s wife Kelli, describing her as the person “saving you from the full wrath of this court.” The couple has appeared together at each court hearing, holding hands while entering and leaving the building.

Moore addressed the court with a prepared statement expressing gratitude for his faith and his wife’s support. Both declined to speak with reporters following the hearing.

Defense attorney Ellen Michaels spoke on behalf of her client, telling media representatives: “Sherrone is grateful for this matter to be resolved and he and his wife Kelli are ready to move forward with their family and focus on the next chapter.”

The University of Michigan terminated Moore’s employment for cause on December 10th due to his ongoing relationship with his executive assistant. According to authorities, Moore went to the woman’s apartment on the same day he lost his job. The alleged victim reported that he forced his way inside, seized two butter knives, and cornered her in a threatening manner.

Law enforcement arrested Moore following the incident, and he remained in custody for two days. The initial charges carried potential penalties of up to five years imprisonment and included home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering.

Moore compiled a 16-8 coaching record at Michigan after replacing Jim Harbaugh, where he had previously worked as offensive coordinator. Both coaches faced scrutiny during a sign-stealing scandal related to the school’s 2023 national championship season, resulting in Moore serving a two-game suspension.

Chicago White Sox officials announced Tuesday they have called up their premier pitching prospect Noah Schultz from Triple-A Charlotte, setting the stage for his first major league appearance against Tampa Bay.

The organization also brought back outfielder Everson Pereira from the injured list while moving right-handed pitcher Jonathan Cannon to the IL due to inflammation in his right hip.

Baseball America ranks Schultz as Chicago’s top prospect and 21st overall in Major League Baseball. The White Sox selected him in the first round, 26th pick, during the 2022 draft. This season at Triple-A level, the southpaw has compiled an impressive 3-0 record with a 1.29 ERA across 14 innings, recording 19 strikeouts while issuing only two walks.

Standing at 6-foot-10, Schultz will join an exclusive group of the tallest left-handed pitchers in major league history, alongside Randy Johnson and Eric Hillman. Former White Sox right-hander Jon Rauch measured 6-foot-11.

Injury concerns limited Schultz to only 73 innings combined between Double-A and Triple-A last season after suffering a patella injury. Since being drafted, he has not exceeded 88 1/3 innings in any single season, having battled shoulder and hand injuries.

Throughout his five-year minor league career across five different levels, Schultz has posted a 2.76 ERA in 59 games (58 as a starter) over 221 2/3 innings. His statistics include 285 strikeouts compared to 84 walks.

The 25-year-old Pereira has been sidelined since April 3 with a sprained left ankle. Before his injury, he had gone 4-for-16 with one home run in five games this season following his acquisition from Tampa Bay in a November trade.

Cannon, also 25, sustained his injury during the third inning of Sunday’s matchup against Kansas City in what was his season opener. Over three seasons with Chicago, he holds a 9-20 record with a 5.13 ERA across 46 appearances, including 38 starts.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers will enter their opening playoff matchup against the Houston Rockets without their two highest-scoring players, as both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves continue recovering from injuries sustained earlier this month.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed Tuesday following practice at the team’s training facility that both stars will miss the start of the first-round series. “They’re out indefinitely,” Redick stated. “I’m not going to have an update for you this week.”

Both players suffered their injuries during Los Angeles’ April 2 defeat against Oklahoma City. Doncic injured his hamstring while Reaves sustained an oblique strain, and neither was able to return for the remainder of the regular season. The Lakers will host Houston for Game 1 this Saturday evening.

Sources familiar with the situation tell The Associated Press that Doncic, who led the NBA in scoring this season, will return to Los Angeles on Friday after spending time in Spain for specialized hamstring treatment. The source requested anonymity as the team has not disclosed specifics about the star player’s rehabilitation process.

Reaves remains in Los Angeles and was observed taking free throw practice with teammates after Tuesday’s session concluded. Medical experts suggest his oblique injury could sideline him for the complete first-round series, as such injuries typically require at least a month for full recovery, though the Lakers have avoided setting any definitive recovery schedules.

The absence of both players represents a significant blow to Los Angeles’ championship aspirations, as the duo combined for 56.8 points, 13.8 assists, and 12.4 rebounds per game when available this season. However, the Lakers managed a 3-2 record during their absence, securing home-court advantage for the opening round as LeBron James stepped back into his primary offensive role.

The team has adjusted by utilizing Luke Kennard in ball-handling and playmaking duties, while guard Marcus Smart has returned after missing nearly three weeks with an ankle injury. Smart expressed confidence about matching Houston’s defensive intensity.

“They’re aggressive, and we’re going to try to use it against them,” Smart explained. “We’ve got some things put in, some different guys that are going to bring it up. They’re going to come out firing, and we’ve got to come out firing, too.”

Reserve center Jaxson Hayes is also expected to return after sitting out the final four regular season games to rest a foot injury. “I was going to play no matter what,” Hayes declared. “If I was hurting, I’d be playing.”

Former NHL netminder Brian Boucher remembers constantly checking the shot counter during games, mentally calculating how many more saves he needed to consider his performance successful.

“It was a way to kind of validate what you were doing and how you felt about yourself and kind of a barometer that you used to gauge your game,” Boucher explained.

Today’s goalies shouldn’t rely on those same metrics, and there’s a compelling explanation why. The current NHL season is creating an unwelcome milestone for goaltenders across the league.

For the first time in thirty years, the league-wide save percentage has fallen below .900, currently sitting at .896 — the worst mark since 1994. Players at every position have become more talented and strategic in their shot selection, while the pace of play has reached unprecedented speeds. These combined elements are reshaping expectations for hockey’s most crucial position.

“The players evolve and they get better,” explained Washington’s Logan Thompson, whose .912 save percentage places him second among goalies with 50-plus starts. “Their sticks get better. Their shots get harder. They kind of know sneaky little spots, or they’re not shooting as many pucks as they did back in the day, as well.”

Current shot totals support Thompson’s observation. Teams average just 27.8 shots per contest, the fewest since the defensive-heavy late 1990s and early 2000s. That era’s emphasis on hooking, holding and interference prompted rule modifications following the 2004-05 lockout, specifically aimed at boosting offensive production. Those adjustments have succeeded beyond expectations.

Clubs now combine for more than six goals per game, a trend that has continued for four consecutive seasons. Modern players frequently seek additional passing opportunities instead of accepting mediocre scoring chances.

“It’s insane,” said Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger, whose .900 save percentage represents a career-low across six seasons. “Guys will have it in the slot and they’re passing it, where I feel like 10 years ago it was just pucks on net. I think guys are way more skilled, so when they get Grade-A chances, they’re that much more talented and everyone can shoot.”

Former goaltender Martin Biron, like Boucher, emphasizes how dramatically the sport has evolved since their playing days. During Biron’s peak years, league-average save percentages reached as high as .911.

“A lot of it was straight on: a guy coming down the wing, taking a shot,” Biron recalled. “All I had to worry about was the shooter, my angles and it was a lot easier.”

Post-game shot total revisions have become increasingly common, sometimes occurring days after contests conclude, which naturally affects goaltenders’ save statistics. Both Oettinger and Dallas backup Casey DeSmith express frustration with these modifications.

“They just take shots away that are shots on goal,” Oettinger noted. “There are probably three a game. If you multiple that by 50 games, that’s like having five more shutouts that they’re taking away.”

These statistical reviews have intensified since sports betting became legal throughout the United States and Canada. With wagers available on shots-on-goal totals, each recorded shot faces rigorous scrutiny.

“All of that auditing that the league is doing with shots, and honestly it stems from gambling,” Biron observed. “People don’t want to lose their bets if there was a shot that was missing the net or whatnot.”

NHL officials attribute the increased precision to advanced puck and player tracking technology, along with other innovations that provide more accurate data for both the league and betting operators. These technological reviews can result in changes to original scorekeeper decisions made during games.

Equipment modifications represent another factor in the league’s offensive surge. The NHL has systematically reduced goaltender gear dimensions over recent years, trimming shoulder pads, chest protectors, and pants to create additional target areas for shooters while maintaining safety standards.

Thompson prefers his equipment fitted tightly due to his mobile playing style, but acknowledges the impact of these changes on shots that previously would have struck padding.

“Sometimes, there might be a shot that it looks weak but it goes kind of through your knees and there’s really nothing else you can do: There’s just a little hole there and sometimes the puck goes in,” Thompson explained. “That’s out of your control.”

The Washington netminder, in his second season with the Capitals and a former Olympic backup for Canada, believes hockey is shifting away from large, position-blocking goalies toward more agile, reactive players.

“I don’t think you can be a blocking-style goalie,” Thompson stated. “With how good and skilled all these players are in this league, you’ve got to be able to react and use your hands. … You’ve got to be able to react because the shooters, they make too good of shots and too good of plays now.”

While teams have recently invested in specialized skill coaches to enhance scoring, goalie-specific instruction has existed for years, though these coaches may need to adapt their methods.

“Shooters are getting good, and it’s time for goalies to adjust a little bit,” Biron suggested. “It’s not the north-south game anymore. It’s an east-west game, so goalies have to adjust to that. They have to become much more conscious of the puck moving laterally, and the better goalies are the ones that can move laterally so much better.”

Biron identifies Tampa Bay’s Andrei Vasilevskiy, Buffalo’s Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Boston’s Jeremy Swayman, and the New York Islanders’ Ilya Sorokin as exceptional lateral movement specialists. Statistics support his assessment, with Vasilevskiy (.912) and Luukkonen (.910) ranking third and eighth league-wide, while Swayman and Sorokin both maintain .906 percentages.

Shot locations also reflect coaching philosophies that prioritize offensive opportunities over defensive security.

“Now teams are more OK with giving up what they give up,” Oettinger explained. “That’s kind of just the style now. It’s less defensive-minded and more try to score as much as you can.”

Given these transformations, Boucher questions whether the traditional .900 benchmark — stopping nine of every ten shots — remains realistic. Thompson recently watched Dallas face New Jersey, where Oettinger was removed after surrendering four goals on eight shots. The teams combined for ten goals on 51 total shots, producing an .803 save percentage that evening.

“You can say, ‘Oh the goaltending wasn’t good,’” Thompson reflected. “But at the same time, I don’t really know many goalies who are going to be making those stops.”

Sports journalist Dianna Russini has stepped down from her position at The Athletic following the publication of photographs showing her with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona hotel, which triggered an internal review at the New York Times-owned publication.

The images, which appeared in the New York Post, were captured at a Sedona resort prior to the NFL owners meetings that commenced in Phoenix on March 29.

In a resignation letter dated Tuesday and sent to Athletic Executive Editor Steven Ginsberg, Russini defended her journalistic record while criticizing the media coverage that followed. “I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published. When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that I am grateful. In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts,” she wrote.

Russini continued in her statement: “Moreover, this media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept. Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now — before my current contract expires on June 30. I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career.”

The reporter came to The Athletic in 2023 following almost ten years at ESPN, where she served in multiple capacities including SportsCenter host, NFL analyst and league insider. At The Athletic, she produced a podcast and appeared on their video content.

Both Russini and Vrabel, who are married to other people, issued responses to the Post minimizing the significance of the photographs.

Russini explained that the images “don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day.”

Vrabel responded to the publication by stating: “Those photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.”

The Patriots coach was absent from New England’s pre-draft press event on Monday.

The New York Times confirmed on Saturday that the digital sports outlet had launched an inquiry into Russini’s professional conduct.

This investigation began despite Ginsberg’s earlier comments to the Post that the photographs “lacked essential context” while praising her contributions to The Athletic.

Vrabel, a three-time Super Bowl champion as a player with New England, is entering his second year leading the Patriots. He earned AP NFL Coach of the Year honors after guiding the team to a 14-3 record last season, which concluded with a Super Bowl defeat to Seattle. He previously received the same coaching award while with Tennessee in 2021.

PHOENIX — Major League Baseball organizations once viewed college baseball programs with doubt and uncertainty. Professional teams questioned the use of aluminum bats, the abbreviated season length, and believed nothing could substitute for the experience gained through years of development in the minor league system.

Those days are over.

Multiple influences — particularly increased funding and advanced technology — have brought MLB and college baseball closer together than ever before. The movement of personnel between both levels of the sport has increased significantly in recent years.

This shift explains how Tony Vitello became the San Francisco Giants manager without any prior professional baseball experience — making history as the first person to achieve this milestone. It also helps explain why Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz earned AL Rookie of the Year honors in 2025 just one year after completing his standout college career at Wake Forest.

“The college game has definitely taken a bigger step toward the pro game — mainly because of the almighty dollar,” said Arizona State coach Willie Bloomquist, who spent 14 seasons in the major leagues.

“Essentially what’s happened, the Power 4 Conferences are basically the minor leagues.”

Athletics general manager David Forst — who chose Kurtz with the fourth overall selection in the 2024 draft — said the player’s rapid advancement through the farm system demonstrated how competitive college baseball has become. Kurtz required only 210 minor league plate appearances before excelling against MLB pitching, posting a .290 average with 36 home runs and 86 RBIs across 117 games in 2025.

“There’s no doubt that top-level college baseball is High-A or Double-A now. It’s really close,” Forst said. “I never would have imagined a player like Nick Kurtz coming to the big leagues for us 11 months after he was drafted.

“That was unthinkable when I first started doing this. The timeline is squashed because these guys are coming out of college so ready, so physically advanced. Some of them — frankly — don’t need the minor league at-bats they used to need.”

The improvement in college baseball stems largely from increased financial investment. Coaching compensation has skyrocketed over recent decades: LSU’s Jay Johnson leads the field earning more than $3 million annually while Mississippi State’s Brian O’Connor follows at $2.9 million.

While these represent the highest salaries, power conference coaches commonly earn over $1 million per year.

The top-paid MLB managers earn approximately $8 million per season, though premier assistants like pitching and hitting coaches typically receive six-figure salaries.

Name, Image, and Likeness compensation has also increased the financial appeal of college baseball, despite payments remaining below those for football and basketball players. Additionally, elite NCAA programs are investing heavily in technological resources.

“We have one of the better pitching labs on the West Coast,” Bloomquist said. “I think it would rival a lot of professional organizations. From a data standpoint, it’s all trickled down to the college level.”

Following his playing career, Bloomquist worked in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ front office before joining the Sun Devils. His pitching coach — Jeremy Accardo — brings 18 years of professional baseball experience as both player and coach.

Bloomquist explained that MLB organizations have grown more confident in allowing NCAA programs to develop professional prospects rather than risking draft picks on unproven 18-year-old high school graduates. He suggested this confidence likely contributed to MLB’s decision to eliminate 40 minor league affiliates in 2020.

During the 2025 MLB draft, 56 college players were chosen among the first 90 selections.

“These guys trust (college) programs,” Bloomquist said. “They say, ‘We’ll just watch them in college in three years at a Power 4 program, see how they development and then we’ll go get them.’”

Georgia baseball coach Wes Johnson represents another example of successful transitions between MLB and NCAA levels. He served as Minnesota Twins pitching coach for 3½ successful seasons from 2019 to 2022 before returning to college baseball. He contributed to developing 2025 NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes while serving as LSU’s pitching coach before accepting the head coaching position with the Bulldogs.

Johnson acknowledged the undeniable similarities between college and professional baseball while noting important differences remain for players and coaches. The scheduling differences represent the most significant challenge.

College baseball’s compressed schedule makes each of the 56 regular-season games critically important. A three-game losing streak feels catastrophic. In professional baseball, such a streak represents a minor setback.

“With the Twins, we played 33 spring games, then played 162 in the season and then made the playoffs,” Johnson said. “It’s every day there. That’s the hardest challenge you have when you go from college to the big leagues. We won 101 games in 2019 (in the regular season). That means we only lost 61 games.

“But that’s the most I’ve ever lost in my life in one year.”

Bloomquist confirmed the scheduling differences while noting age as another consideration.

“There’s a different style in college than there is in professional baseball — to an extent that’s accurate,” Bloomquist said. “There’s an intensity in college, motivating 18 to 20 year olds, as opposed to guys who are making $20 million. Can you relate to those guys in pro ball?”

San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman, who played college baseball at Cal State Fullerton before becoming a five-time Gold Glove winner in the majors, wasn’t concerned about Vitello’s adjustment despite some differences — including more native Spanish speakers in professional baseball.

“Winning baseball looks the same,” Chapman said. “It’s pitching and defense, knowing how to run the bases and then managing personalities. He has a lot of experience with that.

“There will be a learning curve in some areas. You just can’t fully know how to run a Major League clubhouse unless you’ve been in one. But it’s not foreign to him. He’s a baseball guy.”

The Tampa Bay Lightning will face the New York Rangers Wednesday night in their final regular season matchup, already knowing they’ll square off against the Montreal Canadiens when the Stanley Cup playoffs begin this weekend.

What remains uncertain is whether that opening playoff game will take place in the United States or north of the border.

Currently sitting in second place within the Atlantic Division with a 50-25-6 record and 106 points, Tampa Bay can secure home ice advantage for Game 1 by either beating New York or having Montreal suffer a regulation defeat Tuesday night against Philadelphia.

The Lightning and Canadiens are deadlocked in the standings as they prepare for their fifth postseason meeting in franchise history. Their most recent playoff encounter came during the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, a series that resulted from COVID-19 pandemic realignment.

Tampa Bay currently holds the home ice tiebreaker advantage due to their 40-34 edge in regulation wins over Montreal.

New York enters the contest with a disappointing 33-39-9 record worth 75 points, finishing dead last in the Eastern Conference standings. The Rangers split their season series with Tampa Bay at 1-1-0.

Both previous meetings between these teams featured lopsided results. The Rangers dominated in a 7-3 victory at Tampa Bay on November 12, while the Lightning answered back with a convincing 4-1 road win during Thanksgiving weekend.

The Rangers’ season took a dramatic downturn following that Black Friday period.

Head coach Mike Sullivan’s squad fell completely out of wild-card contention after posting a dismal 10-17-5 record across a three-month span covering December, January, and a shortened February due to Winter Olympic scheduling.

Monday night brought an emotional moment for New York as they honored retiring goaltender Jonathan Quick in his final career start. Despite the tribute, the Rangers fell 3-2 to the Florida Panthers, who executed a defensive strategy and converted on three of their 16 shots against the 2011-12 Conn Smythe Trophy recipient.

“I thought Quicky played well for us,” Sullivan commented after his entire team wore Quick’s No. 32 jersey during pregame warmups. “Obviously, tonight was about a celebration for him. … He’s an inspiration to all of us, just in his example and how he carries himself. In a lot of ways, he personifies what we hope to become as a group.”

“His work ethic, his attention to detail, just incredible attitude. His professionalism is second to no one’s. … We’re all better that we’ve had the opportunity to work with him.”

Tampa Bay managed to stay even with Montreal following Monday’s thrilling 4-3 overtime win against Detroit, despite surrendering a two-goal advantage heading into the final period.

Nikita Kucherov delivered the game-winner just 27 seconds into the extra frame, capitalizing on his team’s opening possession by completing a give-and-go sequence with Brayden Point that created a decisive two-on-one opportunity.

Lightning head coach Jon Cooper believes Kucherov deserves consideration for a second Hart Trophy, having previously claimed the award for the 2018-19 campaign. The star forward paces Tampa Bay across all offensive categories with 44 goals, 86 assists, and 130 total points.

“There are some fabulous players in this league. … He’s pretty darn important to us,” Cooper stated after positioning his team to control their playoff seeding this weekend. “Could you make a case for a bunch of guys? Yes. But I think it’s pretty evident that Kuch has made a name for himself this year, that he should be the guy.”

Lightning netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy made a crucial toe save on Alex DeBrincat’s breakaway attempt on the first overtime shot, preserving the game and setting up Kucherov’s heroics nine seconds later.

Vasilevskiy, a strong contender for this year’s Vezina Trophy, leads all NHL goaltenders in victories with a 39-15-4 record. The 2018-19 Vezina winner maintains a 2.31 goals-against average (second-best league-wide) and .912 save percentage (tied for third).

The U.S. Soccer Federation announced Tuesday that Matt Crocker is stepping down from his role as sporting director to take on what the organization described as “another opportunity in international soccer.”

According to Fox Sports, Crocker is moving to a comparable position with Saudi Arabia’s soccer federation.

The departure takes effect right away, occurring roughly two months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off.

The U.S. Soccer Federation stated that chief operating officer Dan Helfrich will oversee sporting operations while working alongside assistant sporting director Oguchi Onyewu and women’s development head Tracey Kevins.

“Over the past several years, U.S. Soccer has grown significantly across every part of our sporting organization, and we thank Matt for the role he played in that progress,” JT Batson, U.S. Soccer CEO and secretary general, stated. “Matt helped guide important steps across our sporting organization, and we’re grateful for his contributions. We’re confident in our strategy, leadership team, coaches, and technical staff. We will continue building the right structure for the future, and we’re well positioned to make the decisions needed in the short, medium, and long term.”

Crocker served in his U.S. Soccer Federation role for almost three years, playing a key part in bringing aboard women’s national team coach Emma Hayes and men’s coach Mauricio Pochettino.

“It has been a privilege to be part of U.S. Soccer during such an important period for the sport in this country,” Crocker commented. “I’m grateful for the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with across the Federation, from our coaches and players to our technical and administrative staff. I’m proud of what’s been built together and confident the team in place will continue to move the game forward and drive success on and off the field.”

The U.S. men’s team begins World Cup group stage action on June 12 against Paraguay in Los Angeles. Following that match, the Americans face Australia on June 19 in Seattle before meeting Turkey on June 25, returning to Los Angeles.

“I anticipate zero impact on World Cup preparation as a result of Matt’s decision,” Helfrich told Fox Sports on Monday. “Mauricio and his staff have full control of the preparations for this summer’s tournament, and we have full confidence in them. This transition in no way impacts those plans, which have been long-established.”

Multiple media sources indicate that Nasser Larguet is anticipated to step down from his technical director position with Saudi Arabia this month.

“If you’re going to compete at the highest levels in the sporting world, you expect that team members will have other opportunities,” Helfrich explained to Fox Sports. “Soccer in our country and the federation overall are in a better place than several years ago when Matt joined, and we’re grateful to him for those contributions.”

Professional golfer Justin Rose has pulled out of this week’s RBC Heritage tournament following his disappointing finish at the Masters, where he let a final-round lead slip away on Sunday.

The golfer was replaced by Michael Thorbjornsen for the signature event after withdrawing on Monday, just one day after his third-place showing at Augusta National.

Rose had positioned himself perfectly during Sunday’s final round, taking the lead after sinking three straight birdies on the front nine. But his chances crumbled when he recorded back-to-back bogeys on holes 11 and 12 at the notorious “Amen Corner” section of the course. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy seized control and never looked back.

The final scoreboard showed Rose finishing two strokes behind McIlroy in a four-way tie for third place, with Scottie Scheffler claiming second.

Following his round on Sunday, Rose reflected on the fan support he received throughout the week. “Felt like the crowd was amazing to me all week long. They pulled for me all week long,” Rose commented. “I felt their encouragement and support. At the end, it kind of goes a little flat. It’s more of a sympathy than anything.”

“But it was still, nonetheless, very beautiful. But, yeah, another little stinger,” he added.

The Heritage tournament at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, South Carolina, has not been a strong venue for Rose historically. He placed 42nd there last season in his eighth attempt at the event. His last top-10 performance at the South Carolina course dates back to 2004.

Rose’s Masters performance showed consistency through most of the tournament, with rounds of 70-69-69-70. However, his 2-over 38 on the final nine holes on Sunday cost him a chance at his first green jacket.

Reflecting on his walk up the 18th fairway, Rose acknowledged the missed opportunity. “I think just chance that got away obviously,” Rose explained. “I was by no means kind of free and clear and was nowhere kind of close to having the job done, but I was right in position.”

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — When Los Angeles Clippers coach Tyronn Lue reflects on this season’s journey, he can barely contain his emotions.

“A lot,” Lue simply stated when asked about the challenges his team has faced.

Following a devastating 6-21 opening to the season, the Clippers battled back to secure a play-in tournament berth. Their final 42-40 record preserved the NBA’s longest active streak of winning seasons at 15 years. The franchise made history by becoming the first team ever to fall 15 or more games below .500 and still finish above the break-even mark.

“Usually a team deals with adversity maybe once or twice throughout a season,” Lue explained, “but not five or six times.”

Los Angeles will welcome Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors for Wednesday evening’s play-in matchup. The victorious team advances to Friday’s elimination contest, while the defeated squad heads into the offseason.

“Pretty remarkable turnaround,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged. “I know Ty well. One of his strengths is just staying the course and really keeping the guys on an even keel, and that’s not easy to do when you’re 6-21.”

The franchise’s struggles extended beyond game performance.

Kawhi Leonard and the organization continue facing an NBA probe that launched last September, examining potential salary cap violations related to Leonard’s compensation through an endorsement agreement with a now-defunct sponsor. The external legal team conducting the review has not announced a completion timeline.

Team officials have embraced the inquiry and rejected any misconduct allegations.

“It doesn’t impact anything we do on a daily basis,” basketball operations president Lawrence Frank stated in February. “We know it’s out there, we know at some point there’ll be a decision made.”

The roster suffered an early setback when Bradley Beal sustained a season-ending fracture requiring surgical intervention.

Despite enthusiastically bringing Chris Paul back to the organization last autumn, the team dismissed him in December.

Management sent him away during a road trip in an unexpected decision. The 40-year-old future Hall of Fame floor general had hoped to conclude his 21st NBA campaign by retiring as a Clipper.

February’s trade deadline brought additional changes as the Clippers eliminated their status as the league’s most veteran squad by dealing 36-year-old James Harden and beloved player Ivica Zubac.

The constant changes threatened to eclipse their hosting duties for All-Star weekend at their two-year-old facility.

Lue praised his roster’s determination in weathering the tumultuous campaign.

“To not give up, not give in, it just shows a lot about the guys in the locker room that care to what they bring every single day,” he noted.

Kerr drew parallels between the Clippers’ revival and the 1977-78 Seattle SuperSonics, who started 5-17 before firing their coach and finishing 47-35 under new leader Lenny Wilkens. That Seattle team reached the NBA Finals before capturing the franchise’s sole title the next season.

While nobody expects such a deep playoff push from Los Angeles, they’ve already overcome extraordinary obstacles.

“We always knew we were a better team that what we were showing,” veteran Brook Lopez commented, “but to go out there and prove it, it’s a nice little honor.”

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two Charlotte Hornets guards have achieved something that hasn’t been done since the Golden State Warriors’ legendary Splash Brothers dominated from beyond the arc.

Kon Knueppel and LaMelo Ball have become the first teammates since Steph Curry and Klay Thompson to claim the top two spots in the NBA for three-pointers made in a season. Their impressive shooting performance comes as Charlotte attempts to break the league’s longest active playoff drought, which has stretched for a decade.

The rookie Knueppel shattered NBA first-year records on his way to leading the entire league with 273 three-pointers while maintaining an impressive 42.5% accuracy rate from long range.

Ball finished just one shot behind his teammate with 272 successful three-pointers on 36.8% shooting from beyond the arc.

“I think it’s pretty cool — they must have a great coach that allows them to shoot that many 3s,” Charlotte coach Charles Lee joked about his players’ achievement.

Beyond the humor, the Hornets appear to have discovered their offensive identity under Lee’s guidance and are moving in a positive direction after spending most of the past decade struggling near the Eastern Conference basement.

Expect plenty of long-range attempts Tuesday evening when Charlotte welcomes the Miami Heat for their 9 vs. 10 NBA play-in tournament matchup — marking the franchise’s first home postseason contest in ten years.

Charlotte must defeat Miami and then beat whichever team loses the 7-8 contest between Philadelphia and Orlando to advance to an actual playoff series for the first time since the 2015-16 campaign.

Knueppel has provided exactly what the Hornets organization desperately needed.

The first-year player earned Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honors four times and paces all rookies with 36 games scoring 20 or more points. He surpassed six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan’s rookie record for most 20-point games while shooting 65% true shooting percentage, accomplishing the feat 27 times.

“Kon is like my brother for real, and I love playing with him,” Ball explained. “He’s such a great shooter it makes our whole team better the way we play off each other.”

The two players bring contrasting styles to Charlotte’s backcourt.

Ball prefers creating space with step-back three-pointers and employs an unconventional shooting form, frequently launching shots off one foot. Knueppel displays textbook shooting mechanics that remain consistent from attempt to attempt, and while he excels as a catch-and-shoot threat, he regularly uses side dribbles to evade approaching defenders and generate open opportunities.

Despite their differences, the pair has found remarkable chemistry on the court.

Knueppel held a three-shot advantage over Ball entering the regular season finale, but the point guard nearly overtook him by connecting on five three-pointers in that last game.

If Ball had attempted and converted one additional three-pointer in the fourth quarter, he would have tied Knueppel for the league lead.

“Well, we were passing each other good looks and trying to make the right reads,” Knueppel said about the team’s victory over the New York Knicks. “It wasn’t like somebody was going in there jacking (up shots). We were passing back and forth trying to make the right play. It just so happened to be me.”

Lee noted that such unselfish play has characterized his team throughout the entire season.

“Those two guys, they work so hard on their craft,” Lee commented. “One thing I like is our team’s unselfishness to create those looks for them with the drives and kicks. And it’s impressive that our guards and our bigs are setting such great looks to get these guys clean looks.”

Charlotte’s offensive arsenal extends well beyond just two players.

Brandon Miller represents another elite shooter who connected on 204 three-pointers this season and might have challenged Knueppel and Ball’s totals if not for missing 17 games with an injury. Miles Bridges also possesses three-point range, though he’s better recognized for his ability to attack the rim and his athletic finishing on fast-break alley-oops.

The Hornets also added Coby White, who has made a significant impact off the bench following his midseason acquisition from the Chicago Bulls.

White has knocked down 43 three-pointers across 21 appearances with Charlotte.

Don’t overlook undersized center Moussa Diabate, who generates open three-point looks by distributing the ball to the perimeter following offensive rebounds.

Now Charlotte must determine whether their prolific three-point shooting can produce playoff victories like it once did for Golden State’s Splash Brothers.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The unwavering self-belief that some view as cockiness has carried Diego Pavia from a New Mexico junior college all the way to finishing second in Heisman Trophy voting in the Southeastern Conference. Now, the Vanderbilt quarterback has his sights set on professional football.

However, skeptics question whether Pavia’s 5-foot-10 frame will limit his draft prospects and NFL opportunities, as that height is typically considered too short for professional quarterbacks.

When asked about concerns over his stature, Pavia offers a straightforward answer.

“I would just say turn on the tape,” Pavia stated during the NFL combine, referencing his performance over two seasons with Vanderbilt. “The SEC and the Big Ten probably have the most guys getting drafted in the first (and) second round. So we’re playing those guys.”

Former teammates support Pavia’s position. Eli Stowers, who moved from quarterback to tight end while playing alongside Pavia at New Mexico State before both joined Vanderbilt, believes the discussion about physical dimensions misses the point.

“Can the kid play football?” Stowers asked during Vanderbilt’s pro day. “And Diego was the best player in college football last year. He led the entire country in total yards. I mean, he won 10 games and got us to the point where we had two winning seasons back-to-back after going 2-10 the year before.”

Following the 2025 season, Pavia earned AP SEC offensive player of the year honors after guiding Vanderbilt to an unprecedented 10-win campaign. He connected on 71% of his throws for 3,539 passing yards while accumulating 4,401 total yards and 39 touchdowns. His 29 passing touchdowns topped the SEC, and he also rushed for 862 yards and 10 scores.

Nationally, he ranked second in total offense with an average of 338.5 yards per contest.

According to Stowers, Pavia instilled a winning mentality throughout the Commodores program.

“He’s the best leader I’ve ever been around, the hardest worker I’ve been around,” Stowers explained. “He always cares about everyone around his team, around the facility. I mean, you just watch him on film. The kid is an amazing football player, and he will win you games at any level.”

Center Jordan White, who handled snaps to Pavia at Vanderbilt, said watching game film with the quarterback was consistently impressive.

“I know every time I snap it to him, a great play’s going to be made no matter what it is,” White commented at the pro day.

Physical measurements carry significant weight with NFL franchises, potentially making Pavia a late-round selection at most.

According to Sportradar data, just three quarterbacks measuring 5-10 or under have started NFL games since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger: Doug Flutie (66 starts), Bryce Young (44), and Kyler Murray (87) — all listed at exactly 5-10.

Sportradar’s records dating to 1948 show only one quarterback under 5-10 ever started professionally. Eddie LeBaron, known as “The Little General” at 5-9, started 88 games across 11 NFL seasons from 1952 to 1963.

Pavia received no college scholarship offers from high school. He attended junior college, capturing a national title at New Mexico Military Institute before transferring to New Mexico State and eventually Vanderbilt in 2024. He even pursued federal court action to secure an injunction permitting him to play the 2025 season.

Under Pavia’s leadership, the historically struggling SEC program achieved a 7-6 record in his debut season, including their first victory over an AP top-five opponent. The 2025 campaign brought a 10-3 finish with six conference victories, four wins against ranked teams, and a peak ranking of No. 9 — Vanderbilt’s highest AP poll position since 1937.

At 24 years old, Pavia brings six seasons of experience and extensive game footage for NFL evaluators to examine.

“I’ve seen a lot of football,” Pavia noted.

Several NFL organizations have shown interest, with Tampa Bay speaking to Pavia at the Senior Bowl and the New York Jets meeting with him at the combine, where he participated in throwing drills. A source familiar with the visit confirmed he met with Carolina on April 7, though the Panthers don’t discuss their top 30 prospect meetings.

Pavia’s self-assurance comes from his belief in what he offers any organization.

“What’s true about me is I’m humble and I get my confidence from my process,” Pavia said. “And if you saw how much I put into this, you would see where I get my confidence for anything.”

The Baltimore Orioles pulled off a stunning comeback Monday night, erasing a six-run deficit to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-7 in their series opener.

Baltimore found itself trailing 7-1 entering the bottom of the sixth inning before mounting their remarkable rally. Leody Taveras started the comeback with an RBI single, followed by Jeremiah Jackson’s grand slam that cut Arizona’s lead to 7-6. Pete Alonso then delivered the decisive blow with a two-run homer in the seventh inning that gave Baltimore their first lead of the game. Jackson capped the rally with his second home run in the eighth inning.

The Orioles’ comeback overshadowed outstanding performances from Arizona’s Ketel Marte and Nolan Arenado, who both hit two home runs. Marte opened the game by taking Baltimore starter Dean Kremer deep on the very first pitch and added another solo shot in the third inning. Arenado finished the night with five RBIs.

Baltimore collected eight hits and drew four walks while extending their winning streak to three games and capturing their sixth victory in seven contests. Gunnar Henderson contributed a run-scoring triple for the Orioles, who posted their highest run total of the season.

In other MLB action Monday:

The New York Yankees ended a five-game losing streak with an 11-10 thriller over the Los Angeles Angels. Jose Caballero scored the winning run on a wild pitch by Jordan Romano. Trent Grisham homered twice and drove in five runs, including a two-run blast in the ninth that tied the game 10-10. Aaron Judge also went deep twice, surpassing Mickey Mantle for second-most multi-homer games in Yankees history with his 47th career two-homer performance.

Mike Trout powered the Angels with his 31st career multi-homer game, hitting his 407th and 408th career home runs while driving in five runs.

Minnesota dominated Boston 13-6 as Ryan Jeffers went 3-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs. Victor Caratini also homered and drove in three runs for the Twins, who have won seven of their last eight games. Boston ace Garrett Crochet struggled mightily, allowing a career-high 11 runs in just 1 2/3 innings.

Seattle completed a four-game sweep of Houston with a 6-2 victory. Josh Naylor hit his first two extra-base hits of the season, both home runs, while driving in five runs. The loss extended Houston’s losing streak to eight games and capped a disastrous 1-9 road trip.

Pittsburgh routed Washington 16-5 behind Brandon Lowe’s five RBIs, his second consecutive five-RBI performance. Paul Skenes earned the win, striking out six while allowing one run over six innings.

Philadelphia defeated Chicago 13-7 as Kyle Schwarber homered twice and drove in three runs while scoring four times. The Phillies bounced back after losing four of five games.

Miami snapped out of an offensive slump with a 10-4 victory over Atlanta, collecting 16 hits after scoring just three runs in a weekend sweep at Detroit. Agustin Ramirez homered and drove in four runs for the Marlins.

Cleveland beat St. Louis 9-3 behind Brayan Rocchio’s two-run homer and multi-RBI performances from Daniel Schneemann and Steven Kwan.

Los Angeles blanked New York 4-0 as Justin Wrobleski pitched eight scoreless innings, allowing just two hits. Andy Pages hit a three-run homer for the Dodgers. The loss extended the Mets’ losing streak to a season-high six games.

Texas defeated Oakland 8-1 as Jake Burger hit two home runs and drove in four runs while Nathan Eovaldi threw seven shutout innings. The victory snapped Oakland’s five-game winning streak.

The Los Angeles Kings secured their spot in the Western Conference playoffs Monday night after defeating the Seattle Kraken 5-3, powered by a two-goal performance from forward Quinton Byfield.

Trevor Moore and Alexis Laferriere each contributed one goal and one assist, while Adrian Kempe found the net once and goalie Anton Forsberg turned away 28 shots for Los Angeles (35-26-19, 89 points). The Kings have now won five consecutive games, marking their longest winning streak this season. With regular season contests remaining Tuesday in Vancouver and Thursday at Calgary, Los Angeles could still secure a top-three position in the Pacific Division or claim a wild-card position.

For Seattle (34-35-11, 79 points), Adam Larsson, Frederick Gaudreau and Bobby McMann each scored while Matty Beniers recorded two assists. The loss ended the Kraken’s two-game winning streak. Rookie netminder Nikke Kokko, making only his second NHL appearance due to injuries to Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer and Matt Murray’s absence for family reasons, made 25 saves on 29 shots.

Byfield’s quickness resulted in two unassisted scores during the opening period.

His first goal came after Seattle’s Jordan Eberle won a faceoff in the offensive zone and sent the puck back toward Ryan Lindgren at the left point. Byfield reached the puck first, bounced it off the boards to bypass Lindgren, and created a 2-on-1 opportunity. He then fired a wrist shot from just inside the faceoff circle that hit the top of the net at 2:43.

Byfield’s second tally occurred at 13:19 when Eberle’s pass back to Lindgren at the point bounced over the defenseman’s stick, creating a breakaway opportunity down the right side. He deked as if moving across the crease before lifting a forehand shot over Kokko’s glove hand.

Los Angeles increased their advantage to 3-0 at 7:13 of the second period when Laferriere’s shot from the left faceoff circle bounced energetically off the end boards back to Moore, who buried a wrist shot from the slot.

Seattle mounted a comeback effort in the final period.

Larsson connected on a wrist shot from the left point through traffic past Forsberg at 1:53, ending the goaltender’s chance for consecutive shutouts.

Gaudreau cut the deficit to 3-2 at 8:08, receiving a feed from Kaapo Kakko and hammering the puck home from just outside the left post.

Los Angeles restored their two-goal cushion as Kempe received a pass from Anze Kopitar during a 2-on-1 break and scored with a snap shot at 12:29. The goal was Kempe’s team-high 35th of the campaign.

With Kokko pulled for an additional skater, McMann fired a wrist shot from the slot at 17:33 to bring Seattle within one goal.

Laferriere sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 19:58.

Left-handed pitcher Justin Wrobleski delivered eight dominant shutout innings while Andy Pages connected on a decisive three-run blast, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 4-0 triumph over the New York Mets in Monday’s series opener at Dodger Stadium.

The southpaw Wrobleski (2-0) held New York hitless until Jorge Polanco broke through with a single to right field in the fifth inning’s opening at-bat. Wrobleski surrendered only two hits while issuing no free passes and recording two strikeouts across his stellar outing.

Miguel Rojas collected three hits to pace the Dodgers’ offense. Despite going hitless in four plate appearances, Shohei Ohtani managed to reach base and push his consecutive on-base streak to 47 games, matching the second-longest such run since the franchise relocated to Los Angeles.

Ohtani took a 94 mph sinker from Mets starter David Peterson to his right shoulder on the game’s opening pitch but continued playing. The two-way star is slated to take the mound Wednesday.

Peterson (0-3) surrendered four runs on five hits across five innings of work, walking four batters while striking out seven. The Mets managed only three singles as their losing skid reached a season-worst six games to begin a six-game road swing.

Tommy Pham, making his 2024 Mets debut after inking a minor league contract in late spring, went hitless in three at-bats with one strikeout.

Los Angeles nearly broke the contest wide open in the opening frame. Following Ohtani’s hit-by-pitch on Peterson’s third delivery, Kyle Tucker drew a walk before Will Smith delivered an RBI single. Teoscar Hernandez walked to fill the bases, but Peterson escaped further damage by striking out Freddie Freeman, Pages and Max Muncy in succession.

The third inning saw Tucker and Hernandez work walks ahead of Pages’ two-out, three-run homer that sailed down the left field line. The blast marked Pages’ fifth of the campaign, as he continues leading Major League Baseball with a .417 batting average and 25 hits. His 20 RBIs also top the majors.